Method for establishing and planting compound ecological system for intercropping herba epimedii in chestnut garden

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of ecological agriculture, and relates to a planting method of a compound ecological system for intercropping herba epimedii in a chestnut garden. The planting method sequentially comprises the following steps: (1) carrying out soil preparation treatment on a mountainous and sloping field garden plot for planting Chinese chestnuts; (2) planting herba epimedii in the land-prepared hillside field for planting the Chinese chestnuts; (3) during the growth period of the Chinese chestnuts and the herba epimedii, performing operations including water and fertilizer management and pest prevention and control on the mountainous slope field where the Chinese chestnuts are planted; and (4) respectively harvesting the Chinese chestnuts and the herba epimedii. According to the planting method of the Chinese chestnut garden intercropping herba epimedii compound ecological system, the ecological characteristics and biological characteristics of Chinese chestnuts and herba epimedii can be fully utilized, the Chinese chestnut-herba epimedii forest medicine compound ecological system is constructed, the economic income of unit-area forest land is increased, and water and soil loss of the Chinese chestnut garden can be effectively restrained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ecological agriculture technology and relates to a method for establishing a composite ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards. Background Technology

[0002] Chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a plant belonging to the genus Castanea in the family Fagaceae. It is one of my country's important woody food trees, and its nuts are rich in nutrients, earning it the reputation of a "reliable crop." As the country of origin, China has a long history of chestnut cultivation. The Book of Songs contains records of chestnut planting, such as "planting hazel and chestnut trees" and "chestnut trees by the east gate, adorning homes." Chestnuts are widely distributed naturally in China, highly adaptable, and mainly planted in mountainous areas. They do not compete with grain crops for land, thus avoiding the problem of occupying arable land and effectively alleviating the pressure of food shortages in my country. In the vast mountainous areas, chestnuts have been vigorously promoted as an important economic forest for many years. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, relying on the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains, produces 450,000 tons of chestnuts annually.

[0003] Because most chestnut-growing areas in my country overlap with important national protective forests, soil and water conservation work, which is closely related to ecological protection, must be ensured. However, traditional chestnut orchard management techniques have led to significant soil erosion problems, especially in northern regions such as the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains, where rainfall is low and multi-layered vegetation is sparse. In these areas, meticulous orchard management, particularly the autumn and winter sanitation work, is often accompanied by soil erosion. For example, in a well-known chestnut-producing area in the Yanshan Mountains, the soil erosion modulus of chestnut forests ranges from 3500 to 5000 t / km². 2 •a. It also brings non-point source pollution from fertilizers, herbicides, and chemical pesticides for pest and disease control.

[0004] To effectively address soil erosion in chestnut orchards, a near-natural forest management approach is proposed, employing a forest-medicinal herb integrated ecosystem to enhance the ecological stability of chestnut economic forests. This approach aims to mitigate the negative impact of soil erosion on the ecosystem and is expected to develop into a scientific, effective, and ecological method.

[0005] The survey found that chestnuts are well-suited for ecological cultivation in northern regions, such as the Yanshan Mountains, where they can be planted alongside *Epimedium brevicornu* Maxim. and *Epimedium koreanum* Nakai (both with bipinnate, trifoliate leaves). Conversely, the mountainous areas of the Yangtze River basin, where chestnuts are extensively cultivated, are also major production areas for *Epimedium sagittatum* Maxim. and *Epimedium pubescens* Maxim. Furthermore, the chestnut and *Pinus armandii* planting areas on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau are also suitable for the growth of *Epimedium sagittatum* Maxim. This is because these areas have high humus content, loose soil, and dense forest canopies providing ample shade, making them ideal for the growth of *Epimedium*.

[0006] It is worth mentioning that the market launch of the new anticancer drug Icaritin requires a large amount of Epimedium ecological product raw materials cultivated in forest environments. Therefore, establishing a chestnut-Epimedium forest-medicinal herb ecosystem will be beneficial for producing high-quality, green traditional Chinese medicine products while also possessing ecological functions. Furthermore, Epimedium has a well-developed root system, which plays a positive role in stabilizing the topsoil of forest land; moreover, the medicinal part of Epimedium is the leaves, and harvesting will not disturb the forest soil. Combined with its excellent shade tolerance, it can serve as a dominant species in a superior forest herbaceous community.

[0007] However, the ecological protection function of Epimedium as understory vegetation has not been reported. Therefore, based on the ecological characteristics and biological properties of chestnut and Epimedium, constructing a chestnut-Epimedium forest-medicinal herb complex ecosystem can not only increase the economic income per unit area of ​​forest land, but also effectively curb soil erosion in chestnut orchards. This will help promote a win-win situation for ecological protection and economic development, and provide a model for the revitalization of rural areas through ecological industries. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for establishing a composite ecosystem of chestnut orchards intercropped with Epimedium, so as to make full use of the ecological characteristics and biological properties of chestnut and Epimedium, construct a chestnut-epimedium forest-medicinal composite ecosystem, which can both increase the economic income per unit area of ​​forest land and effectively curb soil and water loss in chestnut orchards.

[0009] To achieve this objective, in a basic implementation scheme, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, the method comprising the following steps in sequence: (1) Prepare the land for planting chestnuts on mountain slopes; (2) Plant Epimedium in the hillside garden where chestnuts are planted after land preparation. Before planting Epimedium, the roots of the Epimedium seedlings are dipped in a root protection and growth promoter. The root protection and growth promoter contains 10-15g of Ampelopsis japonica vine extract and 10-20g of Camphor tree leaf extract per liter of aqueous solution. (3) During the growth period of chestnut and epimedium, carry out operations including water and fertilizer management and pest control on the hillside garden where chestnut is planted; (4) Harvest chestnuts and epimedium respectively.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein the mountain slope is a sunny mountain slope and / or a semi-shaded mountain slope.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein in step (1), the land preparation includes chestnut orchard land preparation, application of basic fertilizer, killing of soil pests, land preparation along contour lines and / or making small raised beds.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein: The aforementioned chestnut orchard clearing includes removing shrubs, weeds, dead branches, fallen leaves, and / or chestnut buds from the chestnut orchard; The aforementioned basic fertilizer application includes mixing chestnut forest residues and debris with well-rotted cow manure and spreading it evenly on the soil surface; The aforementioned method of killing soil pests involves using microbial insecticides to kill soil pests. When preparing the land along the contour lines in horizontal strips, the soil should be rotary tilled 1-3 times. The raised bed surface is 15-20cm high, with the bed surface tilted at 6-12° from the outside to the inside of the mountain. Shallow trenches are dug on the bed surface, 20-30cm deep and 20-40cm wide, and organic fertilizer is evenly applied into the trenches.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein in step (2), The planting density of Epimedium in mountainous and sloping orchards is 6,000-9,600 plants / mu, and the planting density of chestnut in mountainous and sloping orchards is 42-58 plants / mu; and / or the Epimedium varieties planted are selected from Epimedium velutipes and / or Epimedium pubescens; and / or the spacing between Epimedium seedlings is 15-25cm, and the row spacing is 20-30cm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein in step (2), the root protection and growth promoter further contains 20-50 mg of rooting agent, and / or 5-30 mg of auxiliary rooting agent, and / or 1-10 g of thickener in each liter of aqueous solution.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein: The rooting agent mentioned is selected from one or more of indolebutyric acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, sodium naphthaleneacetate, and ABT rooting powder; The rooting agent is selected from vitamin B1 and / or vitamin B6, preferably one or more of thiamine pyrophosphate, pyridoxal sulfate, and pyridoxamine phosphate; The thickener is selected from one or more of the following: dextrin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, locust bean gum, sodium alginate, and chitosan.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein in step (3), The aforementioned water and fertilizer management involves the combined application of well-rotted organic fertilizer with biological agents and microbial fertilizers; and / or The pest control measures include control of underground pests, control of harmful microorganisms, and / or control of foliar biological hazards.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein in step (3), The control of underground pests is achieved by applying Beauveria bassiana powder; The aforementioned control of harmful microorganisms involves the use of root-based antibacterial medicinal plants such as Sophora flavescens for segmented planting. The aforementioned leaf phytohazard control involves planting Asarum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and / or Periploca sepium in equal sections.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, wherein, before step (1), a protective plant belt is established at the edge of the hillside orchard where chestnuts are planted, and the protective plants planted in the protective plant belt are selected from one or more of the following: jujube, sophora flavescens, milk thistle, clematis, eleutherococcus senticosus, Rosa laevigata, Rosa laevigata, raspberry, and raspberry.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are that the method of establishing a composite ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards can make full use of the ecological characteristics and biological properties of chestnut and Epimedium to construct a chestnut-Epimedium forest-medicinal composite ecosystem, which can both increase the economic income per unit area of ​​forest land and effectively curb soil and water loss in chestnut orchards.

[0020] This invention addresses the severe soil erosion and eventual tree decay and orchard destruction caused by the scavenging and management of chestnut forests in mountainous areas. It establishes a complete method for constructing a composite ecosystem. This method involves planting shade-loving, fibrous-rooted Epimedium under the chestnut trees. Utilizing the complementary nature of Epimedium herbaceous artificial communities with chestnuts, and leveraging the surface area density of Epimedium roots (less than 1.8 mm) and the cohesion of the root-soil composite layer (0-20 cm), a flexible and reinforced soil structure can be formed in the chestnut forest, protecting the surface layer. This approach increases chestnut farmers' income while ensuring the healthy development of the ecosystem. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the slope runoff plot in the specific implementation method includes: water supply tank 1, valve 2, water supply trough 3, test area 4, water collection trough 5, and water sample 6.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the probe layout in a specific implementation, where ★ indicates the probe position.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the changes in soil moisture content under different cover conditions in chestnut forests during a specific implementation method.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a map showing the runoff after precipitation in chestnut forests under different cover measures in a specific implementation method.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a map showing the sediment yield from rainfall in different covered areas according to a specific implementation method.

[0026] Figure 6 The Reynolds number is the number of heavy rainfall under different chestnut forest cover patterns in the specific implementation method.

[0027] Figure 7 The Reynolds number is the number of the chestnut forest cover under extreme rainstorms in different implementation methods.

[0028] Figure 8 The surface area of ​​herbaceous root system in the topsoil of each plot under different covering methods in the specific implementation method.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a volume diagram of herbaceous root system in the surface soil of each plot under different covering methods in a specific implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] An exemplary method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards according to the present invention includes the following steps in sequence: (1) Prepare the land for planting chestnuts on mountain slopes; (2) Plant Epimedium in the hillside gardens where chestnuts are planted after the land has been prepared; (3) During the growth period of chestnut and Epimedium, the hillside garden where chestnut is planted is operated including water and fertilizer management and pest control. Before planting Epimedium, the roots of Epimedium seedlings are dipped in a root protection and growth promoter. The root protection and growth promoter contains 10-15g of Ampelopsis japonica vine extract and 10-20g of Camphor tree leaf extract in each liter of aqueous solution. (4) Harvest chestnuts and epimedium respectively.

[0032] in: The mountain slopes mentioned are sunny mountain slopes and / or semi-shaded mountain slopes.

[0033] In step (1), the land preparation includes chestnut orchard preparation, application of base fertilizer, pest control, horizontal strip land preparation along contour lines, and / or raising the soil level. The chestnut orchard preparation includes clearing shrubs, weeds, dead branches, fallen leaves, and / or chestnut husks from the chestnut orchard; the application of base fertilizer includes mixing chestnut forest debris with well-rotted cow manure and spreading it evenly on the soil surface; the pest control involves using microbial insecticides to kill soil pests; during horizontal strip land preparation along contour lines, the soil is rotary tilled 1-3 times; the raised bed level is 15-20cm high, with the bed surface tilted 6-12° towards the mountainside, and shallow trenches are dug on the bed surface, 20-30cm deep and 20-40cm wide, with organic base fertilizer evenly applied in the trenches.

[0034] In step (2), the density of Epimedium planted in the mountain slope garden is 6000-9600 plants / mu, and the density of chestnut planted in the mountain slope garden is 42-58 plants / mu. The effective area under the forest in each mountain slope garden (chestnut forest) is 400-440 square meters. The Epimedium varieties planted are selected from Epimedium velutipes and / or Epimedium pubescens. The spacing between Epimedium seedlings is 15-25cm, and the row spacing is 20-30cm.

[0035] In step (2), the root protection and growth promoter contains 10-15g of *Ampelopsis grossedentata* vine extract, 10-20g of *Cinnamomum camphora* leaf extract, 20-50mg of rooting agent, 5-30mg of auxiliary rooting agent, and 1-10g of thickener per liter of aqueous solution. The rooting agent is selected from one or more of indolebutyric acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, sodium naphthaleneacetate, and ABT rooting powder. The auxiliary rooting agent is selected from vitamin B1 and / or vitamin B6. The thickener is selected from one or more of dextrin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, locust bean gum, sodium alginate, and chitosan.

[0036] In step (3), the water and fertilizer management involves the combined application of well-rotted organic fertilizer, biological agents, and microbial fertilizers; the pest control includes control of underground pests, control of harmful microorganisms, and / or control of foliar biological hazards. The control of underground pests involves the application of Beauveria bassiana powder; the control of harmful microorganisms involves the use of root-inhibiting medicinal plants such as Sophora flavescens for segmented planting; and the control of foliar biological hazards involves the segmented planting of Asarum heterotropoides, Scutellaria baicalensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and / or Periploca sepium for control.

[0037] Before step (1), a protective plant belt is established at the edge of the hillside garden where chestnuts are planted. The protective plants planted in the protective plant belt are selected from one or more of the following: jujube, sophora flavescens, milk thistle, clematis, eleutherococcus senticosus, rose of Sharon, rosa laevigata, raspberry, and raspberry.

[0038] The specific application examples of the above-described exemplary method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards according to the present invention are as follows.

[0039] The parent material of soils suitable for chestnut tree growth is mostly weathered gneiss and granite. Depending on the altitude, it may be leached brown soil or mountain brown soil. Generally, the pH value is less than 7.0, and the soil texture is loose, which is extremely suitable for the growth of shallow-rooted Epimedium brevicornu. The plant configuration and maintenance technology of the forest-medicinal herb ecosystem of this invention are applicable to the main chestnut producing areas of the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains, and fall within the scope of the Three-North Shelterbelt Project and the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project.

[0040] I. Boundary protection, land preparation, and planting of Epimedium in chestnut orchards on sunny slopes 1. Border protection In areas bordering chestnut plantations, on slopes ≥25 degrees, and in areas prone to landslides, protective vegetation belts should be established. Suitable species include Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, Sophora flavescens, Silybummarianum Gaertn., and Clematis chinensis. Specifically, select the superior variety "Yinji No. 1" for Ziziphus jujuba and plant them in clusters at a density of 2×2-3m, equivalent to 100-160 plants per mu (approximately 667 square meters). Under and around the Ziziphus jujuba groves, densely plant Sophora flavescens (30×30cm spacing), Silybummarianum Gaertn. (20×30cm spacing), and Clematis chinensis (30×500cm spacing) to form a three-dimensional protective network, preventing soil erosion, animal grazing, and attacks by underground pests and pathogens.

[0041] 2. Land preparation (1) Garden arrangement Depending on the climate conditions, from late March to mid-April, a brush cutter, weeder, and shredder was used to clear shrubs, weeds, dead branches, fallen leaves, and chestnut buds from the chestnut orchard.

[0042] (2) Apply base fertilizer Mix chestnut forest debris with well-rotted cow manure (7:1 by weight) and spread it evenly on the soil surface. Use 3 tons of well-rotted cow manure per acre.

[0043] (3) Kill soil pests The Qingyuan series microbial insecticide from Beijing Zhongnong Fuyuan Group Co., Ltd. was used, consisting of Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana - Zhongnong Fuyuan, at a dose of 250g / mu.

[0044] (4) Leveling the land along contour lines The planting area should be 350cm wide, slightly inclined at a 12° angle, with the inner side lower than the outer side. The side closest to the mountain should be the inner side. A shallow trench 30cm deep and 40cm wide should be dug. The planting surface should be 210cm wide. The soil should be rotary tilled twice, the first time to a depth of 25cm and the second time to a depth of 20cm. The original soil should be sieved with a 2cm mesh. Large debris and soil fill should be piled up on the outside of a horizontal strip as a protective embankment 50cm wide. If planting in autumn, it should be done after chestnut harvest when the soil moisture content is 60-79% of field capacity.

[0045] (5) Make a small raised bed The planting bed should be 15-20cm high, with the surface tilted 6-12° towards the mountainside, higher on the outside and lower on the inside. Make shallow trenches 25cm deep and 30cm wide on the planting bed, and evenly apply 80kg of Zhongnong Fuyuan Yangyuan series root-nourishing organic fertilizer as base fertilizer per acre.

[0046] 3. Planting Epimedium (1) Spraying root protection and growth promoter Root protection and growth promoter per liter aqueous solution: sodium naphthaleneacetate 33mg, vitamin B1 5mg, vitamin B6 6mg, dextrin 2.0g, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 3g, and angelica dentata vine extract 12g (angelica dentata vine raw material was purchased from Bafeng Chuyun Vine Tea Professional Cooperative in Laifeng County, Hubei Province, ground into 80-mesh powder, material-to-liquid ratio 1:28g·ml). -1 The extract was prepared using 40% (v / v) ethanol solvent, 0.2% cellulase solution, and pH adjusted to 5.0. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed at 40℃ for 60 min, followed by shaking extraction at 40℃ for 130 min. The extract was then passed through a 5 kDa ultrafiltration membrane, and the filtrate was freeze-dried to obtain the extract. 15g of *Cinnamomum camphora* leaf extract (the raw material was purchased from Chongqing Wuxi Shengjing Laoying Tea Co., Ltd., ground into 80-mesh powder, with a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:35 g·ml) was also used. -1 The sample was first treated with ultrasonic power of 200W and frequency of 40kHz for 15min, then extracted with hot water at 80℃ for 90min, centrifuged (5000 r / min) for 10min, and the supernatant was collected and dried under reduced pressure to obtain the extract.

[0047] (2) Planting construction Under chestnut forests with a canopy closure of 0.4-0.7, the main species planted are selected Epimedium brevicornu and Epimedium pubescens. In areas with latitudes greater than 39°N, Epimedium pubescens Maxim. from Longxi, Gansu or Zhongtiao Mountain, Shanxi is selected. The plant has bipinnate compound leaves and is drought- and cold-resistant. In areas with latitudes ≤39°N, the selection of superior Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. and Epimedium pubescens Maxim. is determined based on environmental temperature, humidity, and physiological drought conditions in winter and spring. Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. is preferred in areas with high temperatures, high humidity, and low physiological drought threat, with Epimedium pubescens from the Qinling Mountains in Hanzhong, Shaanxi being the best source. In environments with severe physiological drought in winter and spring, Epimedium pubescens from Longxi, Gansu or Zhongtiao Mountain, Shanxi should be selected. Specifically, select Epimedium brevicornu with thick leaves, compact plant type, few pests and diseases, high carbon assimilation rate, large biomass, and high icariin content. The ecological planting density is 0.20×0.25m. Before planting, dip the roots of the Epimedium seedlings in a root protection and growth promoter for 10 seconds, then gently place them into the planting trench where base fertilizer has been applied. The seedling spacing should be 20cm, and the row spacing should be 25cm. The planting depth should be such that the topsoil is just level with the soil mark at the rootstock of the seedling. Straighten the seedling, straighten the roots, fill in the soil in layers and compact it, with a 3-5cm thick layer of forest debris on top, and water thoroughly.

[0048] II. Boundary protection, land preparation, and planting of Epimedium in chestnut orchards on semi-shaded slopes 1. Border protection At the edge of chestnut forests, thorny medicinal plants with strong soil-stabilizing and slope-protecting functions, such as Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms, Rosa bella Rehder & EH Wilson, Rosa laevigata Michx., Rubus parvifolius L., or Rubus chingii Hu, are used to protect the slopes and mountains, thereby exerting soil and water conservation effects and significantly reducing the soil erosion modulus. The specific methods are as follows: on the outer side of the forest edge where sunlight is stronger, Rosa laevigata, Rubus parvifolius, and Rubus chingii are planted in equal proportions in clusters at a density of 2×2-3m, equivalent to 100-160 plants / acre; on the inner side of the forest edge where sunlight is weaker, Acanthopanax senticosus and Rosa bella are planted in equal proportions in clusters at a density of 2×2-3m, equivalent to 100-160 plants / acre. In sparse sections and gaps within the chestnut forest, Asarum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and Periploca sepium are planted in equal proportions to block and control pests and diseases. A double-row planting method of 0.25×0.30cm is used to divide the chestnut forest land both on the slope and horizontally, creating relatively independent units of approximately 4-5 mu each. Through the configuration of boundary protective vegetation, a three-dimensional protective network is formed to prevent soil erosion, animal grazing, and invasion by underground pests and pathogens.

[0049] 2. Land preparation (1) Garden arrangement Depending on the climate conditions, from late March to mid-April, a brush cutter, weeder, and shredder was used to clear shrubs, weeds, dead branches, fallen leaves, and chestnut buds from the chestnut orchard.

[0050] (2) Apply base fertilizer Mix chestnut forest debris with well-rotted cow manure (7:1 by weight) and spread it evenly on the soil surface. Use 3 tons of well-rotted cow manure per acre.

[0051] (3) Kill soil pests The Qingyuan series microbial insecticide from Beijing Zhongnong Fuyuan Group Co., Ltd. was used, consisting of Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana - Zhongnong Fuyuan, at a dose of 250g / mu.

[0052] (4) Leveling the land along contour lines The planting area should be 350cm wide, slightly inclined at a 9° angle, with the inner side lower than the outer side. The side closest to the mountain should be the inner side. A shallow trench 30cm deep and 40cm wide should be dug. The planting surface should be 210cm wide. The soil should be rotary tilled twice, the first time to a depth of 25cm and the second time to a depth of 20cm. The original soil should be sieved with a 2cm mesh. Large pieces of debris and soil fill should be piled up on the outside of a horizontal strip as a protective embankment 50cm wide. If planting in autumn, it should be done after chestnut harvest when the soil moisture content is 62-80% of field capacity.

[0053] (5) Make a small raised bed The planting bed should be 15-20cm high, with the surface tilted 6-12° towards the mountainside, higher on the outside and lower on the inside. Make shallow trenches 25cm deep and 30cm wide on the planting bed, and evenly apply 80kg of Zhongnong Fuyuan Yangyuan series root-nourishing organic fertilizer as base fertilizer per acre.

[0054] 3. Planting Epimedium (1) Root protection and growth promoters Root protection and growth promotion agent per liter of aqueous solution: sodium naphthaleneacetate 33mg, vitamin B1 5mg, vitamin B6 6mg, dextrin 2.0g, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 3g, Alopecurus fangutus vine extract 12g (preparation method as above), and Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract 15g (preparation method as above).

[0055] (2) Root protection and growth promoter treatment plot Rt planting construction Under chestnut forests with a canopy closure of 0.3-0.5, the main species planted are selected Epimedium brevicornu and Epimedium pubescens. In areas with latitudes greater than 39°N, Epimedium pubescens Maxim. from Longxi, Gansu or Zhongtiao Mountain, Shanxi is selected. These plants have bipinnate compound leaves and are drought- and cold-resistant. In areas with latitudes ≤39°N, the selection of superior Epimedium pubescens Maxim. and Epimedium pubescens Maxim. is determined based on environmental temperature, humidity, and physiological drought conditions in winter and spring. Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. is preferred in areas with high temperatures, high humidity, and low physiological drought threat, with Epimedium brevicornu from the Qinling Mountains in Hanzhong, Shaanxi being the best source. Conversely, Epimedium pubescens from Longxi, Gansu or Zhongtiao Mountain, Shanxi is selected in areas with lower humidity and lower physiological drought threat. Select strains with thick leaves, compact plant type, few pests and diseases, high carbon assimilation rate, large biomass, and high icariin content. The ecological planting density is 0.25 × 0.30 cm. Specifically, before planting *Epimedium brevicornu*, immerse the roots of the seedlings in a root protection and growth promoter for 10 seconds, then gently place them into the planting trench where base fertilizer has been applied. The spacing between seedlings should be 25 cm, and the row spacing 30 cm. The planting depth should be such that the topsoil is just level with the soil mark at the base of the seedling's rootstock. Straighten the seedlings, straighten the roots, fill in layers of soil and compact them, with a 3-5 cm layer of forest debris on top, and water thoroughly.

[0056] In addition, a control plot Rck, which was not dipped in the root protection and growth promoter, was set up. The planting method for this plot was the same as that for the root protection and growth promoter treatment plot Rt. Thirty days after planting, 90 plants were randomly selected from both the control plot Rck and the treatment plot Rt, with five replicates. The average value was taken, and the number of plants with root rot, root withering, the length of the longest new root, and the average number of new roots per plant were recorded. The results are shown in Table 1 below: Table 1 III. Water and Fertilizer Management in Sunny and Semi-Shady Chestnut Orchards During the Growth Period of Chestnut and Epimedium The entire area uses a micro-sprinkler irrigation system, integrating water and fertilizer management.

[0057] Well-rotted organic fertilizer should be used in combination with bio-inoculants and microbial fertilizers (well-rotted organic fertilizer should be spread in shallow trenches and covered with soil, bio-inoculants should be drip-irrigated to the roots, and microbial fertilizers should be foliar sprayed; the dosage is shown in Table 2 below). Base fertilizer should consist of 3-5 cubic meters of well-rotted organic fertilizer. 3 / mu, combined with chestnut bract powder, apply Root-Enriching Root-Protecting 120 bio-fertilizer, with Bacillus subtilis and other live bacteria count ≥2 billion / g. Exogenous Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis are used as plant growth-promoting bacteria in the ecological cultivation of Epimedium. They can influence fertilizer-sensitive microorganisms by recruiting Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Bacillus monotypic bacteria. These microorganisms have a high co-occurrence rate in the rhizosphere microbial interaction network, thereby forming a suitable growth-promoting environment for Epimedium under chestnut forests.

[0058] The fertilization plan for Epimedium under chestnut forest ecological planting during the growing season is shown in Table 2 below.

[0059] Table 2 Fertilization plan for Epimedium under chestnut forest during the growing season IV. Pest Control in Sunny and Semi-Shady Chestnut Orchards During Chestnut and Epimedium Growth Periods 1. Control of underground pests For the control of underground pests such as cutworms, grubs, and wireworms, a microbial pesticide method is used. Apply 2 kg of Beauveria bassiana DP powder (20 billion spores / g) produced by Yancheng Shenwei Microbial Inoculum Technology Co., Ltd., in shallow furrows per acre. The carrier is biochar made from chestnut pruning and cultivation residues.

[0060] 2. Control of harmful microorganisms The plant is divided and controlled using medicinal plants such as Sophora flavescens, which have antibacterial properties of roots. The plants are planted in two rows in a triangular pattern with a spacing of 40cm×40cm.

[0061] 3. Control of biological hazards in leaves Since Asarum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and Periploca sepium have already been planted during the edge protection, they can play a role in controlling foliar biological hazards.

[0062] During the later stages of the hot and humid rainy season, the damage caused by brown spot blight on Epimedium leaves was observed, and the disease grading criteria were as follows: Level 0, no disease; Level 1: The diseased area accounts for less than 5% of the total leaf area of ​​the plant; Level 3, with the diseased area accounting for 6% to 25% of the total leaf area of ​​the entire plant; Level 5, with the diseased area accounting for 26% to 50% of the total leaf area of ​​the plant; Level 7, with the diseased area accounting for 51% to 75% of the total leaf area of ​​the plant; Level 9, with the diseased area accounting for more than 76% of the total leaf area of ​​the plant.

[0063] Leaf spot blight disease index = ∑(number of diseased plants at each level × disease level value) / (total number of plants surveyed × highest disease level value) × 100, The control effect of brown spot blight (%) = (disease index of control area - disease index of treatment area) / disease index of control area × 100.

[0064] Treatment settings: T1 was edge protection + ecological planting of Epimedium; T2 was removal of edge vegetation + ecological planting of Epimedium; T0 was natural edge vegetation + ecological planting of Epimedium (control area). Observation results are shown in Table 3 below: Table 3 In addition, to investigate the damage caused by Epimedium aphids, a five-point sampling method was used, with three Epimedium plants sampled at fixed locations. The number of live aphids was recorded, and the population decline rate was calculated. Insect population reduction rate (%) = [(Number of live insects in control group - Number of live insects in treatment group) / Number of live insects in control group] × 100 The survey results are shown in Table 4 below: Table 4 V. Soil and water conservation monitoring 1. Monitoring area design (1) Slope runoff plots (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown) Six slope runoff plots with similar slope, aspect, and altitude were established in the chestnut forest. Six treatments were implemented for each plot: natural condition, artificial clearing, planting of Rehmannia glutinosa, weed control mulch, simulated habitat cultivation of Epimedium, and ecological cultivation of Epimedium. Each runoff plot measures 2m × 2m, with a horizontal projected area of ​​4m². 2 Each runoff plot was bounded by an iron plate, reinforced with rivets at the corners. The upper edge of the iron plate was 25-30 cm above the ground and buried 20-25 cm deep. The distance between any two adjacent plots was approximately 30 cm. A collection trough was constructed on the lower slope and sealed and reinforced with cement. A 10 cm diameter PVC pipe was connected to the outside of the collection trough, leading to a runoff bucket. The dimensions of the flow path were 35 cm × 30 cm × 50 cm. Tipping bucket rain gauges were deployed in the experimental area to automatically record rainfall. Net flow and sediment load were measured from May 2025 to October 2025 to evaluate the soil and water conservation benefits of different configurations of chestnut forest ecosystems.

[0065] Each week, a five-point sampling method was used in each plot to measure soil moisture content using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). This was to evaluate the impact of different chestnut forest cover methods on the surface soil moisture content of the chestnut forest ecosystem, thereby quantifying the effectiveness of water conservation. At the end of the growing season, forest soil samples were collected using the ring cutter method, and relevant experimental data were obtained to evaluate the ecological effects of different cover measures on soil stabilization in chestnut forests.

[0066] (2) Testing area Since soil surface erosion and deposition mainly manifest as soil surface elevation caused by deposition or soil surface depression caused by erosion, the method of measuring soil surface height by measuring the change in soil surface height can measure the comprehensive changes in the soil surface due to the combined effects of wind / water erosion and deposition over a specific period of time.

[0067] Given that soil erosion is mainly influenced by wind speed, rainfall, vegetation, and topography, simplified observation fields with different slopes and vegetation were established in typical chestnut forest areas. Five experimental plots with similar slope aspects and gradients were selected, each corresponding to one chestnut forest treatment: natural state, artificial clearing, planting of Rehmannia glutinosa, weed control mulch, and planting of Epimedium. Each plot was 2m × 2m in size, and 25 measuring probes (e.g., ...) were placed at 50cm × 50cm intervals in each plot. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the measuring probes are 0.6 cm in diameter and 50 cm long, nail-shaped steel probes. When deploying the erosion probes, they are driven approximately 40 cm into the soil vertically along the slope using hand pressure or by hammering, leaving about 10 cm protruding above the surface. A red wooden stick is inserted 5 cm to the right of each probe to mark its location for easy observation. The deployment process is designed to minimize interference with the soil surface conditions within the monitoring plot. Before deploying the erosion probes, each tree in the simple observation field is measured, recording information such as vegetation type, vegetation cover, slope, aspect, altitude, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and ground diameter. To facilitate field observation, the observation plots are arranged near the community survey plots whenever possible. Corresponding control observation fields are also set up for observation. The distance from the top of the measuring probe to the ground is measured, and this distance is measured again after a certain period. The difference between the two measurements is the soil erosion thickness, used to evaluate the impact of different forest cover treatments on soil erosion in the chestnut ecosystem.

[0068] 2. Observation methods (1) Forest soil observation To investigate the effects of various treatments on the physical properties of soil under chestnut forests, three soil profile survey points were evenly distributed along the diagonal of a 2m×2m plot. Soil profiles were excavated, and samples were taken from five soil layers: 0-10cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm, 30-40cm, and 40-50cm. Three soil samples were taken from each layer using a ring sampler, and the sampling layer and ring sampler number were recorded. These samples were then brought back to the laboratory for relevant testing. First, the ring sampler brought back from the field was weighed after removing the tape, and recorded as W1. The top and bottom covers of the weighed ring sampler were removed (the bottom mesh was retained), and it was placed in a flat-bottomed plastic basin. Water was added to 2 / 3 of the top edge of the ring sampler and left for 12 hours until the soil inside the ring sampler was fully saturated. The ring sampler was then removed from the container, the outside moisture was quickly wiped dry, and the top and bottom covers were replaced. The saturated weight was weighed (W2), and recorded accordingly. The top and bottom covers of the ring sampler were then removed (the bottom mesh was retained), and the soil was... The ring cutter is placed on a support to allow gravity water in the soil to drain out. During this process, the top cover of the ring cutter should be loosely placed on the ring cutter to prevent the evaporation of water inside the ring cutter. After standing for 12 hours, the top and bottom covers are put on and the ring cutter is weighed to obtain data W3 and recorded. After weighing W3, the top and bottom covers of the ring cutter are opened and placed in an oven to dry at 105℃ until constant weight. After drying, when the temperature in the oven has cooled to room temperature, the oven is opened, the ring cutter is taken out, the top and bottom covers are put on, and the dry weight W4 is measured.

[0069] Soil bulk density can be measured simultaneously with soil porosity. Let the weight of the excavator ring be W0 and its volume be V. The soil bulk density and soil porosity can then be calculated using the following formulas: Soil bulk density = (W4 - W0) / V Total soil porosity = (W2 - W4) / V × 100% Soil capillary porosity = (W3 - W4) / V × 100% Soil non-capillary porosity = (W2 - W3) / V × 100% Soil capillary porosity = (W2 - W3) / V × 100% (2) Rainfall observation (Location: Experimental area; Time: April-September 2025) Rainfall observations were conducted using tipping bucket rain gauges, recording the rainfall amount (P), rainfall duration (t), and rainfall intensity (I) for each rainfall event. A ) and maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity (I M ).

[0070] (3) Runoff observation Runoff measurements are performed after each rainfall event. The length and width of the runoff container are fixed. The depth of the runoff container is measured and recorded after each rainfall event. After measurement, the rainfall runoff is emptied, and the runoff container is cleaned in preparation for the next rainfall event.

[0071] (4) Sediment observation Sediment quantity was measured after each rainfall runoff. The traditional stirring sampling method was used for sediment quantity observation. Sediment samples were taken from the runoff tank for analysis. Three runoff samples were collected from each plot, and the sediment quantity was determined using the drying method. Finally, the average value was calculated and recorded. After measurement, the runoff in the runoff tank was completely emptied and the runoff tank was cleaned in preparation for receiving sediment from the next rainfall.

[0072] (5) Testing rod The probe method is a facility that uses a set of probes to measure the thickness of soil erosion in chestnut forests. In order to study the impact of the herbaceous layer cover pattern of chestnut forests on soil erosion, the present invention specifically selected 5 sample plots to set up probes.

[0073] After measurement, the surface erosion amount is calculated using the following formula: ∆H= A = 100 × ∆H × cosθ × d In the formula: ∆H is the change in distance from the top of the iron rod to the ground, in cm; n is the total number of iron rods deployed in the observation plot. If any iron rods are lost during the observation process, then n is the number of iron rods preserved in the observation plot at the most recent measurement. Let A be the change in distance from the top of the i-th iron rod to the ground (cm); let A be the erosion rate per unit area (t / hm²). 2 θ represents the ground slope; d represents the bulk density of the topsoil (g / cm³). 3 .

[0074] (6) Soil moisture content Soil moisture content was measured in the experimental runoff plots using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), with surface soil moisture content measured weekly. A five-point sampling method was used in the actual measurement process, and the average value was taken after each measurement.

[0075] (7) Forest gully survey To calculate soil erosion under different vegetation cover levels, a field survey was conducted from September 10th to September 25th, 2025. A total of 18 field plots were surveyed, with 6 treatments: 3 plots in their natural state, 3 plots with artificial weeding, 3 plots planted with *Rehmannia glutinosa*, 3 plots covered with weed control fabric, 3 plots with simulated habitat cultivation of *Epimedium brevicornu*, and 3 plots with ecologically cultivated *Epimedium brevicornu*. The field survey employed the quadrat method. First, 5m × 5m quadrats were cordoned off, and their vegetation cover was estimated. The number of erosion gullies of varying sizes within each quadrat was counted, and their length, width, and depth were measured. The volume of the gullies was calculated to determine the soil erosion within the quadrat. Within each measurement segment, the average width, average depth, and average length of the erosion gullies were observed and recorded. Based on this, the volume of each gully segment was calculated, and the volume of the entire gully was equal to the sum of the volumes of all individual gullies.

[0076] If the i-th erosion gully is divided into m segments, the volume of the k-th segment is calculated using the following formula: V k =B k ×H k ×L k In the formula: V k B represents the volume of the k-th erosion gully; k H represents the average width of the k-th erosion gully; k L represents the average depth of the k-th erosion gully; k Let be the length of the k-th erosion gully.

[0077] The volume V of each erosion groove i Calculate using the following formula: V i If there are n erosion gullies in a surveyed plot, then the total volume V of the erosion gullies in the plot is... j The following formula can be used to calculate: V j = If the bulk density of the topsoil is d, the area of ​​the survey plot is S, and the slope is θ, then the erosion W per unit area within the survey plot can be calculated using the following formula: W= (8) Reynolds number The Reynolds number is calculated using the following formula: R e = In the formula: R e ν is the Reynolds number; ν is the fluid velocity (m / s); R is the hydraulic radius. Since the water flow in this experiment is a thin-layer flow with a very shallow depth and slow velocity, the cross-sectional shape of the water flow has a relatively small impact on the flow resistance, so the water depth h is used instead of R; υ is the kinematic viscosity coefficient, in meters. 2 ·s,υ=0.01775 / (1+0.337 T+0.000221T),T is the water flow temperature, ℃.

[0078] (9) Root system and biomass During the rainy season of 2025, from late June to late August, roots of samples from different chestnut forest ground cover patterns were extracted using a water flushing method. The above-ground parts were cut off, and the roots of *Rehmannia glutinosa*, *Epimedium brevicornu*, and other herbaceous plants were distinguished in water. The roots of different plants were dried sequentially with absorbent paper, placed on plexiglass trays, and scanned using a CrystalScanMakeris 800plus scanner at 300 dpi resolution. Images were saved. The images were corrected and analyzed using Wanshen LA-S series root analysis software, and morphological characteristic indicators were output to Excel. After scanning, the roots and stems were dried in an 80 ℃ oven to constant weight, and biomass was measured and recorded. Root length, diameter, volume, surface area, and plant biomass were measured.

[0079] 3. Monitoring Results (1) Changes in soil moisture content Figure 3 This shows the changes in soil moisture content in the top 20cm layer of chestnut forest under six different treatments throughout 2025. CK, QY, DH, FCB, EPN, and EPS represent the natural state, artificial orchard clearing, planting of Rehmannia glutinosa, weed control cloth covering, simulated habitat cultivation of Epimedium, and ecological cultivation of Epimedium, respectively (the same applies below).

[0080] from Figure 3 It is evident that the soil moisture content in the ecologically planted Epimedium plots is generally higher than that in other treatments, especially during the rainy season in August after foliar fertilization and in the later part of the rainy season in September / October, the water conservation capacity of the ecologically planted Epimedium forest-medicinal plantation ecosystem is more prominent.

[0081] (2) Changes in soil bulk density Table 5 lists the bulk density of the 0-10cm and 10-20cm soil layers in chestnut forests under different cover patterns. It can be seen that planting Rehmannia glutinosa and Epimedium is beneficial to improving the physical structure of chestnut forest soil.

[0082] (3) The effect of forest cover on runoff from Figure 4 The results show that vegetation cover in chestnut forests reduces post-rain runoff, especially during the continuous extreme heavy rainfall on July 26, 27, and 28, 2025, which reached a torrential rainstorm with more than 250 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. The runoff from the densely rooted Epimedium community in the topsoil was significantly lower than other treatments. During the torrential rainstorm on July 28, the runoff in the artificially cleared plot reached 12.23 mm, while the runoff in the plot covered with weed control fabric reached as high as 12.93 mm. In contrast, the runoff in the plots with Epimedium under the forest cover was 8.51 mm for the EPN treatment and 7.53 mm for the EPS treatment.

[0083] (4) The impact of forest cover patterns on precipitation and sediment yield Depend on Figure 5 It is evident that the sand yield of the six treatments varied with rainfall intensity and amount under different covering methods. Among them, manual clearing of chestnut orchards resulted in exposed topsoil, which was directly subjected to rainwater splash and runoff erosion, resulting in the highest sand yield, with an annual average of 3.06 kg in 2025. Weed control fabric covering led to sparse vegetation, and the average sand yield also reached 3.03 kg. In contrast, the other vegetation cover treatments all reduced soil erosion in chestnut forests to varying degrees. Natural vegetation distribution was uneven, resulting in a higher average sand yield of 2.11 kg. While Rehmannia glutinosa, with its large, flat leaves and high coverage, significantly mitigated the impact of raindrops, its limited fibrous roots hampered its soil-fixing function, resulting in an average sand yield of 1.99 kg. In contrast, Epimedium, with its abundant foliage and dense fibrous roots covering the topsoil, effectively mitigated raindrop impact and retained soil to reduce erosion. Even with rainfall in 2025 reaching twice the average annual level and numerous severe disasters caused by heavy rainfall, the average sand yield was only 1.67 kg (EPN). However, through precise topdressing during the growing season, the biomass of the above-ground parts and roots of Epimedium was greatly increased, enhancing its soil and water conservation capacity, resulting in a sand yield of only 1.36 kg (EPS).

[0084] (5) The impact of forest cover patterns on erosion Soil erosion in chestnut orchards on hillsides is influenced by various factors. Vegetation cover in chestnut forests can reduce runoff velocity, and the root system of the herbaceous layer can consolidate the soil, thus effectively reducing soil erosion. Unlike most economic forests, chestnut forests are often stripped of their understory by farmers for easier chestnut harvesting, resulting in bare forest floor. The severity of soil erosion in bare forests is far greater than in adjacent natural grasslands and shrublands. Table 6 shows that manual clearing and weeding caused the most severe soil erosion, with a soil erosion amount reaching 26.32 kg in one plot. In plots densely planted with Epimedium, soil erosion was significantly reduced to between 1.64 and 4.31 kg. Following the maintenance and management method of this invention, soil erosion was only 1.64 kg, less than the increase in litter.

[0085] (6) Changes in forest cover patterns in runoff index Reynolds number Slope flow is the primary driving force for slope erosion and sediment transport. After atmospheric precipitation, the water is intercepted and filled in depressions by vegetation, forming sheet-like flows on the slope surface, i.e., thin-layer slope flow. The Reynolds number (Re) is commonly used to determine the flow pattern of slope flow. From the definition of the Reynolds number, it is the ratio of inertial force to viscous force. The smaller the Reynolds number, the less the inertial force acts on the flow relative to the viscosity, and the worse the turbulence of the flow. Under the same conditions, the turbulence of the flow increases with increasing rainfall intensity, thus exhibiting… Figure 6 and Figure 7 The variation of Reynolds number with rainfall intensity. The trend shows that the Reynolds number increases with increasing rainfall intensity for all chestnut forest cover patterns.

[0086] The Reynolds number fluctuation range of chestnut forest slopes covered with herbaceous plants such as Epimedium and Rehmannia is smaller than that of chestnut forest slopes that have undergone artificial clearing, weeding, and weed control covering. This is because: the canopy layer of Epimedium and other herbaceous plants intercepts raindrops, reducing their kinetic energy and thus diminishing their acceleration effect on the surface flow of chestnut forest slopes in mountainous areas; secondly, the obstructive effect of the stems of Epimedium and other herbaceous plants on water flow dissipates water energy, leading to a decrease in inertial force and an increase in viscosity, resulting in a lower Reynolds number on chestnut forest slopes covered with herbaceous vegetation. Water flows through the gaps between plants; the worse the hydrological connectivity, the greater the obstruction effect of the roots and stems, and the more violently the water flow is disturbed. Meanwhile, the waves and eddies formed by water turbulence can consume a large amount of the energy carried by the water flow. Therefore, the poorer the connectivity of the grass cover pattern, the smaller its Reynolds number. In this experiment, the well-managed Epimedium has dense branches and leaves and a strong root system. Therefore, the Reynolds number of the chestnut forest plot where Epimedium is ecologically planted is particularly small.

[0087] (7) Forest root system under different cover measures Root surface area and root volume reflect the degree of contact between the root system and the soil. Fibrous-rooted plants have more lateral roots and a larger total root length, thus their root surface area and root volume are greater than those of taprooted plants. As a fibrous-rooted plant, Epimedium has numerous fibrous roots, mostly distributed in the topsoil. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is evident that the surface area and volume of the Epimedium root system are significantly greater than the root system data of other mulching treatment plots. Regarding the cultivation techniques for Epimedium, the ecological planting model under chestnut forests increases foliar fertilization during the growing season, significantly increasing the total root volume and playing a positive role in enhancing soil and water conservation capabilities.

[0088] VI. Harvesting 1. Harvesting time of Epimedium When the average temperature is below 22.8℃ and the average temperature at 5:00 AM is below 18.1℃, the period of rapid growth in the volume and dry weight of chestnut nuts is from August 20th to September 15th.

[0089] 2. Epimedium harvesting operations Harvest the stems and leaves close to the ground, 2-4 cm above the basal buds of Epimedium. Dip the cut surfaces in a 65% alcohol extract of *Cinnamomum camphora*. Harvest over 100 kg of dried Epimedium medicinal material. Testing showed that, based on dried product, the leaves contained a significant amount of total flavonoids, primarily icariin (C...). 33 H 40 O 15 The percentage of astragalus extract in the leaves reached 12.60%; the leaf content of astragalus extract A (C 39 H 50 O 20 ), Chaohuo Ding B (C 38 H 48 O 19 ), C (C 39 H 50 O 19 ) and icariin (C 33 H 40 O 15 The total content is over 3.27%. The price of Epimedium medicinal material is between 73-158 yuan / kg. As Epimedium grown under forest ecological conditions, the quality is high and the market price is no less than 85 yuan / kg, which will increase the income by 8,500 yuan / year per mu.

[0090] 3. Garden cleanup Cut weeds at least 5cm above the ground surface, use a large bamboo or wooden rake to collect weeds and fallen leaves from the forest, crush them into fragments less than 0.5cm in diameter, and spread them evenly in the chestnut orchard.

[0091] 4. Chestnut harvesting When the average temperature drops below 20.8℃, and the average temperature falls below 15.8℃ at 5:00 AM, the chestnut husks begin to crack open in large numbers, signaling the start of chestnut harvesting. This period lasts approximately from September 15th to October 20th. The harvested chestnuts have a high soluble protein content of 1.17%, a soluble sugar content of 17.82%, a single fresh weight of 9.58g, a yield of 482.69kg per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), and a starch content of less than 52%. In contrast, the chestnuts harvested from the control hillside chestnut orchard (without Epimedium) have a soluble protein content of 0.63%, a soluble sugar content of 12.49%, a single fresh weight of 8.06g, a yield of 297.58kg per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), and a starch content of 53%-55%.

[0092] 5. Apply garden soil insulation fertilizer When the average temperature drops below 10.3℃, and the average temperature at 5:00 AM is below 5.2℃, around October 20th, after the chestnut harvest is complete, the chestnut leaves will begin to fall in large quantities. Timely application of 1.5 cubic meters of hot organic fertilizer, horse manure, per acre of chestnut orchard is recommended. 3 +1.5m of sheep manure 3The mixture of fertilizer and fallen chestnut leaves is randomly applied. When the average temperature drops below 0°C at 5:00 AM, the chestnut orchard is irrigated with freezing water to fix the insulating layer composed of fallen debris, organic fertilizer, and fallen chestnut leaves, and to ensure soil moisture.

[0093] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations. The above embodiments or implementations are merely illustrative examples of this invention, and it can also be implemented in other specific ways or forms without departing from its gist or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in any respect. The scope of this invention should be defined by the appended claims, and any changes equivalent to the intent and scope of the claims should also be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a complex ecosystem of intercropping Epimedium in chestnut orchards, characterized in that, The establishment method described herein includes the following steps in sequence: (1) Prepare the land for planting chestnuts on mountain slopes; (2) Plant Epimedium in the hillside garden where chestnuts are planted after land preparation. Before planting Epimedium, dip the roots of Epimedium seedlings in a root protection and growth promoter. The root protection and growth promoter contains 10-15g of Ampelopsis japonica vine extract and 10-20g of Camphor tree leaf extract in each liter of aqueous solution. (3) During the growth period of chestnut and epimedium, carry out operations including water and fertilizer management and pest control on the hillside garden where chestnuts are planted; (4) Harvest chestnuts and epimedium respectively.

2. The establishment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mountain slopes mentioned are sunny mountain slopes and / or semi-shaded mountain slopes.

3. The planting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step (1), the land preparation treatment includes chestnut orchard preparation, application of basic fertilizer, killing of soil pests, land preparation along contour lines and / or making small raised beds.

4. The planting method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The aforementioned chestnut orchard clearing includes removing shrubs, weeds, dead branches, fallen leaves, and / or chestnut buds from the chestnut orchard; The aforementioned basic fertilizer application includes mixing chestnut forest residues and debris with well-rotted cow manure and spreading it evenly on the soil surface; The aforementioned method of killing soil pests involves using microbial insecticides to kill soil pests. When preparing the land along the contour lines in horizontal strips, the soil should be rotary tilled 1-3 times. The raised bed surface is 15-20cm high, with the bed surface tilted at 6-12° from the outside to the inside of the mountain. Shallow trenches are dug on the bed surface, 20-30cm deep and 20-40cm wide, and organic fertilizer is evenly applied into the trenches.

5. The planting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step (2), The planting density of Epimedium in mountainous and sloping orchards is 6,000-9,600 plants / mu, and the planting density of chestnut in mountainous and sloping orchards is 42-58 plants / mu; and / or the Epimedium varieties planted are selected from Epimedium velutipes and / or Epimedium pubescens; and / or the spacing between Epimedium seedlings is 15-25cm, and the row spacing is 20-30cm.

6. The establishment method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step (2), the root protection and growth promoter also contains 20-50 mg of rooting agent, and / or 5-30 mg of auxiliary rooting agent, and / or 1-10 g of thickener in each liter of aqueous solution.

7. The planting method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rooting agent mentioned is selected from one or more of indolebutyric acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, sodium naphthaleneacetate, and ABT rooting powder; The rooting agent mentioned above is selected from vitamin B1 and / or vitamin B6; The thickener is selected from one or more of the following: dextrin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, locust bean gum, sodium alginate, and chitosan.

8. The planting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step (3), The aforementioned water and fertilizer management involves the combined application of well-rotted organic fertilizer with biological agents and microbial fertilizers; and / or The pest control measures include control of underground pests, control of harmful microorganisms, and / or control of foliar biological hazards.

9. The planting method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step (3), The control of underground pests is achieved by applying Beauveria bassiana powder; The aforementioned control of harmful microorganisms involves the use of root-based antibacterial medicinal plants such as Sophora flavescens for segmented planting. The aforementioned leaf phytohazard control involves planting Asarum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and / or Periploca sepium in equal sections.

10. The planting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before step (1), the planting method further involves establishing a protective plant belt at the edge of the hillside garden where chestnuts are planted. The protective plants planted in the protective plant belt are selected from one or more of the following: jujube, sophora flavescens, milk thistle, clematis, eleutherococcus senticosus, rose of Sharon, rosa laevigata, raspberry, and raspberry.

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