Method for dry-farming planting of caragana microphylla in mudshandack sand land

Abstract

According to the technical scheme, the method comprises the following steps that 1, nursery stock screening and head and root cutting treatment are conducted; (2) arranging sand barriers; and (3) carrying out sand land planting operation by adopting a seedling planting tool. The method has the advantages that nursery stock treatment is scientific and accurate, and a survival foundation is built firmly; (2) sand-protecting barriers are arranged to adapt to the sand environment, and local microclimate is improved; (3) carrying out hole-free planting and accurate positioning, and maximally preserving water and soil; (4) special seedling planting tools and standard operation are adopted, and the planting quality is improved; and (5) the comprehensive benefit is obvious, and the method is suitable for large-scale treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of Caragana microphylla, and particularly relates to a method for dryland planting of Caragana microphylla in the Hunshandake Sandy Land. Background Technology

[0002] *Caragana microphylla* Lam. is a shrub belonging to the genus *Caragana* in the family Fabaceae. It grows to a height of 1-2 (3) meters and is found in grasslands, sandy areas, and hilly slopes. It is most commonly found in the Loess Plateau and sandy areas of semi-arid grasslands at altitudes between 1000-2000 meters. It is naturally distributed in Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and other regions. *Caragana microphylla* branches can be used as green manure; tender branches and leaves can be used as forage; its beautiful shape makes it suitable for landscaping; its roots, flowers, and fruits are used medicinally to treat dizziness, headaches, rheumatic pain, coughs, asthma, hypertension, carbuncles, and sore throat; it is a nectar source plant; and it is a plant for sand fixation and soil and water conservation. The dense branches above ground can effectively reduce surface wind speed, weakening wind erosion intensity by more than 60%; fallen leaves and debris form a stable surface cover layer, further hindering sand movement; the interwoven underground root system forms a dense "root network," firmly fixing deep sand and soil, achieving a three-dimensional sand-fixing effect of "wind blocking above ground, surface protection, and sand fixation underground." It is an advantageous shrub species for the management of arid and semi-arid sandy lands and is widely used in the management of typical desertification areas such as Hunshandake and Horqin.

[0003] The Hunshandake Sandy Land, one of China's ten largest deserts and sandy lands, is located at the southern end of the Xilin Gol Grassland in central Inner Mongolia, 180 kilometers in a straight line from Beijing. It is one of the main sources of sandstorms plaguing Beijing in recent years and is also an ecologically fragile area requiring urgent management. The Hunshandake Sandy Land is situated in a mid-temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate zone, with an average annual precipitation of 328 mm. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, with most rainfall concentrated between July and September, accounting for about 70% of the total annual rainfall. The average annual temperature is 2℃–5℃, the annual effective accumulated temperature is 1800℃–2200℃, the annual sunshine duration is 2600–3000 hours, and the frost-free period is 90–120 days. *Caragana microphylla*, with its well-developed root system and strong adaptability, plays a significant role in sand fixation, water conservation, and ecological improvement, making it an important pioneer plant for sand control and desertification prevention. Currently, *Caragana microphylla* is mostly planted using the pit planting method. However, planting in pits is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and digging pits loosens the sandy soil, causing faster evaporation of moisture. Therefore, this invention discloses the optimal method for afforestation of *Caragana microphylla* under dryland conditions in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, maximizing time and labor savings, conserving water resources, and improving survival rates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of low survival rates due to rapid water evaporation during hole planting in the existing technology, this invention provides a method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land. The technical solution includes the following steps: (1) Seedling selection and treatment: Select 1-year-old bare-root seedlings of Caragana microphylla. The seedlings must be fully lignified, grow vigorously, have well-developed root system, be free from pests and diseases, have a regular seedling shape and no mechanical damage. Before construction, the seedlings are cut off and the roots are cut off, retaining 50-60 cm of the branch part above the root neck and 15-20 cm of the root system below the root neck to obtain the seedlings to be planted. (2) Sand barrier deployment: In the middle area of ​​the windward slope of the sandy land, set up a grid-shaped low vertical sand barrier with a specification of 2m×2m. The sand barrier material is straw or reed, with a height of 15-30cm above the ground and a depth of 10-15cm into the soil. (3) Planting in sandy areas: Within one month after the soil thaws in spring, plant the seedlings obtained in step (1) in the northwest corner of the sand barrier grid set in step (2). The distance between the seedling and its two adjacent sand barrier sides shall not exceed 0.5m, and the spacing between plants and rows shall be 2m×3m. When planting, use a seedling planting tool to insert the roots of the seedlings into a stable, moist sand layer about 35cm deep, and tamp it down to complete the planting.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the one-year-old bare-root seedlings of *Caragana microphylla* in step (1) are either freshly harvested seedlings or cold-stored seedlings. The cold-stored seedlings are seedlings stored in a cold storage room at 1–4°C.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the seedlings to be planted in step (1) need to have their roots dipped in mud before being planted in step (3), and they need to be temporarily planted in different plots.

[0007] In a more preferred embodiment, the temporary planting process includes: digging a temporary planting trench with a depth of 30-40cm and a width of 20-30cm on the temporary planting ground, placing the seedling to be planted at an angle of 40-50° into the temporary planting trench, allowing the roots to spread out, and then covering it with soil and compacting it.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the seedling planting tool includes a T-shaped pressure bar, a U-shaped pressure head, and a limiting crossbar. The pressure head is fixed to the lower end of the pressure bar, and the limiting crossbar is vertically connected to one side of the pressure bar.

[0009] In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter of the limiting crossbar is 8-10 mm, and it is positioned 35 cm above the pressure head; the vertical section of the pressure bar is 80-100 cm long and has a diameter of 8-10 mm.

[0010] In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter of the pressure head is 6-8 mm, the length of the vertical section is 1-2 cm, and the opening width is approximately 1 cm.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the specific planting operation of step (3) includes: placing the seedling to be planted on the sandy ground, holding the pressure bar and pressing the pressure head about 2cm above the root tip of the main root of the seedling to be planted, pressing down until the limit bar touches the ground, then holding the seedling to be planted tightly and lifting it up about 2cm to avoid root entrapment, and finally tamping the soil.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the phrase "within one month after the soil thaws in spring" in step (3) specifically refers to the period from early April to early May.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the sand barriers in step (2) are laid out in a direction perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, and adjacent sand barriers are fixedly connected by cable ties or wires.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) Select one-year-old bare-root seedlings with fully lignified roots to ensure the seedlings’ resistance to adverse conditions from the source and adapt to the arid environment of the Hunshandake Sandy Land; cut the top and cut the roots to reduce the seedlings’ water and nutrient consumption, promote the sprouting of new roots, and avoid damage to the roots during planting; dip the roots in mud slurry before planting and temporarily plant them in different plots (this can keep the roots moist, reduce water evaporation, and allow the roots to spread out, avoiding the roots from drying out during transportation and waiting for planting, and significantly improving the root vitality after planting). (2) The grid structure is arranged perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, which effectively weakens the surface wind speed, reduces the wind and sand erosion and burial of seedlings, and reduces the risk of seedling survival; the sand barrier made of straw or reed can intercept some precipitation, reduce surface runoff, and slow down the evaporation of sand moisture, forming a relatively humid local microenvironment in the sand barrier grid, providing stable water conditions for the growth of seedling roots; the sand barrier is 15-30cm above the ground and 10-15cm deep into the soil, which takes into account both wind protection effect and its own stability, avoids being easily damaged by wind and sand, and provides long-term protection for seedling growth; (3) Using planting tools, the seedlings are directly planted into the stable wet sandy soil layer 35cm underground. There is no need to dig planting pits, which avoids the loosening of sandy soil caused by digging holes, significantly reduces soil moisture evaporation, allows the roots to directly contact the moist soil layer, absorb water quickly, and ensures the survival rate under dry conditions. (4) The structural design of the pressure bar, the shape pressure head and the limiting crossbar can accurately control the planting depth to 35cm, ensuring that the roots penetrate into the stable wet sand layer, while avoiding planting too shallow or too deep and affecting survival; the operation process of pressing down until the limiting crossbar touches the ground, lifting up 2cm to prevent root entanglement and compacting the soil ensures that the roots are spread out and not twisted, and that the soil and roots are in close contact, reducing water loss caused by gaps, improving the water absorption efficiency of the roots, and avoiding seedling death caused by improper planting operation; (5) This invention not only achieves a high survival rate of over 90%, but also has outstanding practical value and ecological benefits. The hole-free planting mode eliminates the hole-digging process. With the help of special seedling tools, it greatly reduces the input of manpower and material resources, improves planting efficiency, and is suitable for large-scale sand control and afforestation projects in Hunshandake Sandy Land. No additional irrigation is required throughout the process. It relies solely on natural rainfall and soil water retention, saving water resources and conforming to the concept of dryland planting. After the seedlings survive, they form a three-dimensional protection system that blocks wind above ground and fixes sand underground, effectively curbing the expansion of desertification, improving the regional ecological environment, and helping to control the source of sand and dust. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the seedling planting tool in this invention.

[0016] Figure 2 Photographs of *Caragana microphylla* planted using the method of this invention.

[0017] Figure 3 Another photograph of a small-leaved caragana plant cultivated using the method of this invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Pressure bar; 2. Pressure head; 3. Limiting crossbar. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Example A method for dryland cultivation of Caragana microphylla in the Hunshandake Sandy Land includes the following steps: (1) Seedling selection and treatment: Select 1-year-old bare-root seedlings of Caragana microphylla. The seedlings must be fully lignified, grow vigorously, have well-developed root system, be free from pests and diseases, have a regular seedling shape and no mechanical damage. Before construction, the seedlings are cut off and the roots are cut off, retaining 50-60 cm of the branch part above the root neck and 15-20 cm of the root system below the root neck to obtain the seedlings to be planted. (2) Sand barrier deployment: In the middle area of ​​the windward slope of the sandy land, set up a grid-shaped low vertical sand barrier with a specification of 2m×2m. The sand barrier material is straw or reed, with a height of 15-30cm above the ground and a depth of 10-15cm into the soil. (3) Planting in sandy areas: Within one month after the soil thaws in spring, plant the seedlings obtained in step (1) in the northwest corner of the sand barrier grid set in step (2). The distance between the seedling and its two adjacent sand barrier sides shall not exceed 0.5m, and the spacing between plants and rows shall be 2m×3m. When planting, use a seedling planting tool to insert the roots of the seedlings into a stable, moist sand layer about 35cm deep, and tamp it down to complete the planting.

[0021] Furthermore, the one-year-old bare-root seedlings of *Caragana microphylla* in step (1) are either freshly harvested seedlings or cold-stored seedlings. The cold-stored seedlings are seedlings stored in a cold storage room at 1-4℃.

[0022] Furthermore, before planting the seedlings in step (3) in step (1), the roots need to be dipped in mud slurry and the seedlings need to be temporarily planted in different plots.

[0023] Furthermore, the temporary planting process includes: digging a temporary planting trench 30-40cm deep and 20-30cm wide on the temporary planting ground, placing the seedling to be planted at a 40-50° angle into the temporary planting trench, allowing the roots to spread out, and then covering it with soil and compacting it.

[0024] like Figure 1 The seedling planting tool shown includes a T-shaped pressure bar 1, a U-shaped pressure head 2, and a limiting crossbar 3. The pressure head 2 is fixed to the lower end of the pressure bar 1, and the limiting crossbar 3 is vertically connected to one side of the pressure bar.

[0025] Furthermore, the diameter of the limiting crossbar 3 is 8-10 mm, and it is positioned 35 cm above the pressure head 2; the vertical section of the pressure bar 1 has a length of 80-100 cm and a diameter of 8-10 mm.

[0026] Furthermore, the diameter of the pressure head 2 is 6-8 mm, the length of the vertical section is 1-2 cm, and the opening width is approximately 1 cm.

[0027] Further, the specific planting operation of step (3) includes: placing the seedling to be planted on the sandy ground, holding the pressing rod 1 and pressing the pressing head 2 about 2cm above the root tip of the main root of the seedling to be planted, pressing down until the limiting horizontal bar 3 touches the ground, then holding the seedling to be planted tightly and lifting it up about 2cm to avoid root entrapment, and finally tamping the soil.

[0028] Furthermore, in step (3), "within one month after the spring soil thaws" specifically refers to the period from early April to early May.

[0029] Furthermore, in step (2), the sand barriers are laid out in a direction perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, and adjacent sand barriers are fixedly connected by cable ties or wires.

[0030] Using the above method, six sample plots were planted in April 2025: Plot 1 (14.8 mu), Plot 2 (8.7 mu), Plot 3 (228.5 mu), Plot 4 (49.8 mu), Plot 5 (18 mu), and Plot 6 (217 mu). Finally, in September 2025, a field survey was conducted to assess the survival rate of the seedlings. The survival rate of all six sample plots exceeded 90%, with Plots 3 and 6 exceeding 95%. See the photos for details. Figure 2-3 .

Claims

1. A method for dryland cultivation of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: (1) Seedling selection and treatment: Select 1-year-old bare-root seedlings of Caragana microphylla. The seedlings must be fully lignified, grow vigorously, have well-developed root system, be free from pests and diseases, have a regular seedling shape and no mechanical damage. Before construction, the seedlings are cut off and the roots are cut off, retaining 50-60 cm of the branch part above the root neck and 15-20 cm of the root system below the root neck to obtain the seedlings to be planted. (2) Sand barrier deployment: In the middle area of ​​the windward slope of the sandy land, set up a grid-shaped low vertical sand barrier with a specification of 2m×2m. The sand barrier material is straw or reed, with a height of 15-30cm above the ground and a depth of 10-15cm into the soil. (3) Planting in sandy areas: Within one month after the soil thaws in spring, plant the seedlings obtained in step (1) in the northwest corner of the sand barrier grid set in step (2). The distance between the seedling and its two adjacent sand barrier sides shall not exceed 0.5m, and the spacing between plants and rows shall be 2m×3m. When planting, use a seedling planting tool to insert the roots of the seedlings into a stable, moist sand layer about 35cm deep, and tamp it down to complete the planting.

2. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-year-old bare-root seedlings of *Caragana microphylla* in step (1) are either freshly harvested seedlings or cold-stored seedlings. The cold-stored seedlings are seedlings stored in a cold storage room at 1-4℃.

3. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before planting the seedlings in step (3) in step (1), the roots need to be dipped in mud slurry and temporarily planted in different plots.

4. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 3, characterized in that... The temporary planting process includes: digging a temporary planting trench 30-40cm deep and 20-30cm wide on the temporary planting ground, placing the seedling to be planted at a 40-50° angle into the temporary planting trench, allowing the roots to spread out, and then covering it with soil and compacting it.

5. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seedling planting tool includes a T-shaped pressure bar (1), a U-shaped pressure head (2), and a limiting crossbar (3). The pressure head (2) is fixed to the lower end of the pressure bar (1), and the limiting crossbar (3) is vertically connected to one side of the pressure bar.

6. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the limiting crossbar (3) is 8-10 mm, and it is set 35 cm above the pressure head (2); the vertical section of the pressure bar (1) is 80-100 cm long and has a diameter of 8-10 mm.

7. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the pressure head (2) is 6-8 mm, the length of the vertical section is 1-2 cm, and the opening width is about 1 cm.

8. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific planting operation of step (3) includes: placing the seedling to be planted on the sandy ground, holding the pressing rod (1) and pressing the pressing head (2) about 2cm above the root tip of the main root of the seedling to be planted, pressing down until the limiting horizontal bar (3) touches the ground, then holding the seedling to be planted tightly and lifting it up about 2cm to avoid root entrapment, and finally tamping the soil.

9. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), "within one month after the soil thaws in spring" specifically refers to the period from early April to early May.

10. The method for dryland planting of *Caragana microphylla* in the Hunshandake Sandy Land according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the sand barriers are laid out in a direction perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, and adjacent sand barriers are fixedly connected by cable ties or wires.

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