Precise control method of microhabitat under Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. in karst region

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of plant resource utilization technology, and particularly relates to a precise regulation method for the microhabitat under a *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* forest in a karst region. The precise regulation method for the microhabitat under a *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* forest in a karst region includes the following steps: regulating canopy cover; determining the fertilization amount based on the soil surface fertilization amount, according to the microhabitat type, underground connectivity, and soil reserves; loosening the soil to penetrate the plow pan; after harvesting the *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* in July, covering the ground surface with fresh branches 20-30 cm away from the trunk, with a stone surface coverage area of ​​40%-50%; crushing naturally dried branches and leaves into 0.5-1 cm fragments and returning them to the soil; adding limestone powder along with the dried branches and leaves. This invention, by returning the branches and leaves of *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* to the soil, regulates water and heat, achieves nutrient return, and especially promotes micronutrient balance; furthermore, by adding limestone powder, it regulates soil calcium content, enhances soil activity potential, and achieves sustainable management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of plant resource utilization technology, and in particular relates to a precise regulation method for the microhabitat under the Zanthoxylum bungeanum forest in the karst region. Background Technology

[0002] Karst regions are characterized by uneven terrain and diverse landforms, resulting in a rich variety and complexity of microhabitats. Traditional techniques, particularly those used in the northern plains, often employ homogenized habitat management methods, failing to achieve "site-specific techniques." Therefore, targeted and highly suitable management plans should be developed based on habitat characteristics. Observations show that within the same region, different management measures can result in a difference of more than 15 days in the time it takes for branches to complete lignification, a yield difference of 0.5 to 1 times, and an economic and ecological benefit difference of more than 100%. This plan overcomes the limitations of traditional formulaic techniques by precisely controlling the understory microhabitats in conjunction with the habitat characteristics of karst regions. It has a strong promoting effect on the healthy growth, yield, and quality improvement of *Zanthoxylum bungeanum*, as well as the improvement of key soil properties.

[0003] The invention patent, "A Method for Improving the Habitat of Native Karst Tree Species", with publication number CN108450225A, mainly improves the habitat by building retaining walls, covering with weeds or fallen leaves, and intercropping with legumes.

[0004] The invention patent, "A method for cultivating high-quality Sichuan pepper seeds and its application", with publication number CN115336500A, involves habitat selection, including stone surfaces, stone ditches, and stone troughs. It mainly combines the characteristics of microhabitats and leverages the advantages of different microhabitats to cultivate high-quality Sichuan pepper seeds, without carrying out the transformation and utilization of different microhabitats. Its habitat control involves fertilizer and water management and understory grassing, mainly nutrient balance and weed control measures, aiming to create suitable conditions for fruit metabolism.

[0005] The main production area of ​​Dingtan pepper is characterized by mountainous terrain and severe soil drought, resulting in high agricultural and forestry costs and significant management difficulties. This leads to a high risk of alternate bearing (biennial bearing), hindering the sustainable development of the industry. Furthermore, the large-scale migration of young and middle-aged laborers and the low acceptance of cutting-edge knowledge among the middle-aged and elderly contribute to the overall low efficiency of the Dingtan pepper industry. Existing technologies have not fully considered these realities, and the indiscriminate promotion of technologies at the regional scale is incompatible with the micro-habitat characteristics, leading to stand degradation and fluctuations in yield and quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In light of this background, this invention focuses on habitat characteristics to develop precise control schemes, aiming to promote high-quality industrial development.

[0007] This invention provides a method for precise regulation of microhabitats under the Zanthoxylum bungeanum forest in karst areas, comprising the following steps: (1) Adjust the canopy coverage to 70%–80%; (2) Based on the amount of fertilizer applied to the soil surface, the amount of fertilizer applied is determined according to the microhabitat type, the connectivity between the underground and the soil storage. For microhabitats with strong underground connectivity, apply 0.8 to 0.9 times the amount of soil surface fertilizer; for microhabitats with weak underground connectivity and low soil storage, apply 0.5 to 0.6 times the amount of soil surface fertilizer. Cover with soil after fertilization. (3) When loosening the soil, penetrate the bottom layer of the plow to a depth of 25-30 cm; (4) After harvesting Sichuan pepper in July, cut fresh branches into 20-40 cm lengths and cover them on the ground 20-30 cm away from the trunk. The covering thickness should be 4-8 cm, and the coverage area of ​​the stone surface should be 40%-50%. (5) The sun-dried branches and leaves are crushed into 0.5-1 cm pieces and returned to the soil in August or September, with a dosage of 30-40 kg / mu; (6) Add limestone powder at a rate of 100-120 kg / mu, along with dry branches and leaves.

[0008] Furthermore, the thickness of the soil covering in step (2) is 3 to 5 cm.

[0009] Furthermore, the microhabitat with strong underground connectivity mentioned in step (2) includes stone caves, stone ditches, and stone troughs; the microhabitat with weak underground connectivity and low soil reserves includes stone surfaces, stone pits, and stone crevices.

[0010] Furthermore, the loosening of the soil described in step (3) is carried out after the peppercorns are harvested in July.

[0011] Furthermore, the fresh branches mentioned in step (4) are branches picked on the same day as the peppercorns.

[0012] Furthermore, when covering with fresh branches in step (4), the coverage ratio of the stone surface is 40%.

[0013] Furthermore, in step (5), the crushed branches and leaves are directly covered on the soil surface when returning to the soil, with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 cm.

[0014] Furthermore, the limestone powder in step (6) has a particle size of 1 mm.

[0015] This invention provides a method for the precise regulation of microhabitats under the Zanthoxylum bungeanum forest in karst areas.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) The invention patent "A Method for Improving the Habitat of Native Karst Tree Species", publication number CN108450225A, differs significantly from the technology in this application in the following ways: First, this technology explicitly limits the use of fresh branches, which is an improvement or even a complete departure from the technology in question. Second, this technology fully considers the complex and diverse microhabitats and high heterogeneity of karst regions, overcoming the shortcomings of the technology in its widespread application and improving its pertinence and practicality. Third, this technology also makes improvements in aspects such as canopy coverage and soil loosening depth, forming a complete and comprehensive technical solution, and achieving precise habitat control through various technical means. Fourth, in terms of the evaluation system, this technology not only considers ecological factors such as soil and light, but also takes into account the disease resistance and fruit characteristics of the top-grade pepper, making the evaluation parameters more comprehensive.

[0017] (2) The invention patent “A method for cultivating high-quality pepper seeds and its application”, application publication number CN115336500A, is completely different from the technical operation of this invention and is difficult to provide inspiration for this technology.

[0018] (3) Improve water and fertilizer utilization. Traditional techniques tend to decouple the relationship between water, fertilizer, and heat, resulting in low utilization. This solution solves the problem of water and fertilizer deficiency in the cultivation of Dingtan pepper and achieves synergistic supply, optimizing the relationship between water, fertilizer, and heat, thereby improving water and fertilizer utilization. In particular, regulating soil moisture content to maintain it within a suitable range is beneficial to the growth and lignification of Dingtan pepper.

[0019] (4) Reduce agricultural non-point source pollution. Improved water and fertilizer utilization efficiency accelerates the lignification of the branches of the Sichuan pepper tree, which is beneficial for enhancing tree vigor, yield, and quality. This reduces the input of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, promoting green, safe, and pollution-free production. The combination of reduced agricultural input and improved utilization efficiency has reduced pesticide application by more than 30% and reduced nitrogen and phosphorus reserves in the soil by about 40%, effectively controlling agricultural non-point source pollution.

[0020] (5) Promotes plant growth and increases yield. As mentioned above, due to healthier tree vigor, sufficient nutrient supply to branches, and enhanced ability to resist natural disasters, fruit yield increases by 0.5 to 1.5 times, significantly increasing economic benefits. At the same time, the peel thickness of the top-grade pepper increases and its quality improves, making it more popular in the market.

[0021] (6) Reduce production and operating costs and increase profits. Calculations show that operating costs have decreased from 2500-2800 yuan / mu to 1800-2000 yuan / mu, mainly due to reduced agricultural input and maintenance costs. Because of increased yield and improved quality, the price of dried chili peppers is more than 50% higher than the 40-50 yuan / kg of other varieties of Sichuan pepper, generating an economic gain of approximately 2000 yuan per mu. Therefore, adopting this technical solution can significantly increase profits and is beneficial to the dynamic stability of the artificial ecosystem.

[0022] (7) It fully incorporates the dual structure characteristic of strong surface and subsurface connectivity in karst areas. Due to the typical dual structure of karst geological features, the surface and subsurface are highly interconnected. This accelerates soil and water loss while also providing space for water and soil resource storage. Therefore, making good use of this dual structure characteristic is beneficial for coordinating the relationship between plants and habitats on an ecological geological basis, thereby improving the quality of forest stand restoration. This technical solution fully incorporates this environmental status, making it highly suitable and applicable for widespread application.

[0023] (8) Improve the utilization efficiency of ecological factors such as soil moisture and heat in forest understory. Karst areas have weak soil water retention capacity and severe drought, with soil volumetric water content sometimes below 20%, becoming a barrier to ecosystem restoration. In addition, the high surface exposure rate and the strong uncertainty of heat changes make the relationship between water and heat complex and diverse. This plan addresses this key issue by adopting precise control measures to strengthen the ecosystem's self-regulation of soil moisture and heat, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

[0024] (9) Achieving nutrient return in situ and preventing nutrient imbalance caused by excessive system openness. During the cultivation of Dingtan pepper forest stands, management measures such as branch pruning, fruit harvesting, and weeding cause a large outflow of nutrients from the system, resulting in a decrease in nutrient abundance and an imbalance in proportion. This significantly affects soil quality and the dynamic stability of the forest stand. This technology returns the branches and leaves of Dingtan pepper to the soil, which not only regulates water and heat but also achieves nutrient return, especially promoting the balance of trace elements; in addition, by adding limestone powder, it regulates the soil calcium content, enhances the soil activity potential, and achieves sustainable management. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following examples and comparative examples involve *Zanthoxylum bungeanum*, a variety of the *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* genus in the Rutaceae family. Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dingtanensis ).

[0026] The following examples and comparative examples involve the calculation of various data: The percentage of yellow leaves and the incidence of rust were determined by selecting three standard branches from each plant, observing the number of yellow leaves and leaves with rust, and calculating the percentage. Soil bulk density was calculated using the ring sampler method after drying. The fresh weight of the fruit is determined by weighing, and the fruit is weighed on-site immediately after harvesting. Referring to the standard "Determination of Volatile Components of Sichuan Pepper by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: GH / T 1294—2020", the relative contents of linalool and limonene in the fruit were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

[0027] Example 1 The project was implemented in Beipanjiang Town, Zhenfeng County, from 2023 to 2024. Since the top-grade Sichuan pepper is typically harvested in July, followed by fertilization, pruning, and pest and disease control, the implementation period was from July 2023 to July 2024. The specific steps are as follows: (1) Canopy coverage of 70%: In the Dingtan pepper forest with a planting density of 3.5 m × 4 m, during the branch management and pruning period from August to November 2023, the branch length was controlled to be 0.8 to 1.0 m in combination with the planting density and branch growth, and the non-lignified branches at the end were removed. The coverage is the ratio of the canopy area to the horizontal ground.

[0028] (2) Based on the soil surface, the fertilizer application rate was determined according to the type of microhabitat: 0.20 kg / plant for soil surface, 0.16 kg / plant for rock caves, ditches, and troughs with strong connectivity to the underground; and 0.12 kg / plant for rock surfaces, pits, and crevices with weak connectivity to the underground and low soil storage. The fertilization time was August 21, 2023 and April 6 of the following year, both using compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15, produced by Guizhou Kailin Mineral Fertilizer Co., Ltd.). After fertilization, the fertilizer was covered with 3 cm of soil to avoid direct exposure on the soil surface (the existing soil was gently covered on top of the fertilizer without compaction to avoid affecting soil moisture infiltration).

[0029] (3) When loosening the soil, penetrate the bottom layer of the plow to a vertical depth of 30 cm, which was carried out on July 25, 2023. Penetrating the bottom layer of the plow helps to expand the space for the roots to obtain nutrients and water, thereby improving the survival rate and drought resistance.

[0030] (4) After the top peppers are harvested in July, the fresh branches are cut into 30 cm lengths and covered on the ground. The covered area is more than 20 cm away from the trunk and the covering thickness is 6 cm, of which the covering area on the stone surface is 40%.

[0031] (5) After the branches and leaves of the top-grade pepper are naturally dried, they are crushed into 1 cm pieces and returned to the soil in late August 2023. The amount used is 30 kg / mu, and the thickness is 0.5 cm. Returning the branches and leaves to the soil promotes the balance of nutrients, especially the replenishment of trace elements; it can also solve the problem of the inherent deficiencies in soil structure and the problem of soil compaction caused by long-term application of chemical fertilizers.

[0032] (6) Add limestone powder to the soil. The limestone commonly found in the local area is ground into powder of about 1 mm. The dosage is 120 kg / mu. It is added together with dry branches and leaves in late August 2023. Specifically, after returning the branches and leaves to the soil, the limestone powder is then evenly sprinkled on the surface of the debris. The main function is to enhance the activity potential of the soil.

[0033] The monitoring results were as follows: the proportion of yellow leaves was 4%, the incidence of rust was 5%, and the soil bulk density was 0.99 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 4.4 kg / plant, the relative content of linalool was 48.41%, and the relative content of limonene was 19.98%. Compared with the control example, the overall effect of Example 1 was more significant.

[0034] Example 2 It will be implemented in Huajiang Town, Guanling County from 2024 to 2025.

[0035] (1) The canopy coverage is 80%. Since the implementation site is located on a sunny slope and the soil moisture evaporation is high, the canopy is appropriately enlarged. A plantation of Sichuan pepper with a planting density of 3.5 m × 4 m was selected. During the branch management and pruning period from August to November 2024, the length of the branches was kept between 0.9 and 1.0 m, and the non-lignified branches at the ends were regularly removed.

[0036] (2) The fertilization schedule is as follows: 0.20 kg / plant on the soil surface, 0.17 kg / plant in stone caves, ditches, and troughs; and 0.11 kg / plant on stone surfaces, pits, and crevices. Fertilization will be carried out on August 29, 2024 and March 26, 2025, using compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15, produced by Guizhou Kailin Mining Fertilizer Co., Ltd.). Cover the fertilizer with 5 cm of soil after fertilization.

[0037] (3) When loosening the soil, the soil was penetrated to a vertical depth of 25 cm, which was carried out on July 18, 2024. Since the soil in this area has a "sand on top and sticky on the bottom" phenomenon, this method can reduce the penetration resistance of the root system.

[0038] (4) After the top-grade pepper is harvested in July, the fresh branches are cut into 40 cm lengths on the same day and used for ground cover. The cover area is more than 30 cm away from the trunk, and the cover thickness is 8 cm, of which the stone surface is covered by 50%. The stone surface is not completely covered, so that it can effectively play its role in regulating water and heat and other microhabitats under the forest.

[0039] (5) After the branches and leaves of the top-grade Sichuan pepper are naturally dried, they are crushed into 0.5 cm fragments and returned to the soil in early September 2024, at a rate of 40 kg / mu. When returning to the soil, they are directly covered on the soil surface with a thickness of 0.3-0.5 cm to avoid excessive damage to the fine roots due to turning over the soil. Since the area has a high rate of exposed rocks and a small proportion of soil surface, the rock surface does not need to be covered, so the amount used is relatively low.

[0040] (6) Add limestone powder to the soil. The limestone, which is widely distributed locally, is ground into powder of about 1 mm. The dosage is 100 kg / mu. It is added at the same time as the dry branches and leaves. Specifically, after the branches and leaves are returned to the soil, the limestone powder is evenly sprinkled on the surface of the debris. The two are fully mixed evenly under the action of gravity and rainwater. Limestone powder is locally sourced, widely available, and low in cost. It plays a role in activation and catalysis.

[0041] The monitoring results were as follows: the proportion of yellow leaves was 5%, the incidence of rust was 5%, and the soil bulk density was 1.02 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 4.8 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 45.47%, and the relative content of limonene was 20.79%. More pronounced warty protrusions on the fruit peel were observed, indicating better quality. This demonstrates that precise control measures on the understory habitat of *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* forests in Dingtan have a promoting effect on stress resistance, yield, and quality improvement.

[0042] Comparative Example 1: Canopy coverage 100% Using a canopy coverage of 100% as a control, the other steps were the same as in Example 1. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 20%, the incidence of rust was 25%, and the soil bulk density was 1.15 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 3.2 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 44.29%, and the relative content of limonene was 19.34%, which was significantly lower than the example. The reasons are as follows: the canopy was too high, and the canopy intercepted most of the rainfall, resulting in a decrease in soil moisture content and a long-term deficit. This exacerbated the contradiction between soil drought and revegetation-water consumption, increasing the risk of forest degradation. At the same time, due to insufficient light in the understory, the herbaceous layer also had difficulty growing, resulting in a simple forest structure and failure to fully realize ecological functions.

[0043] Comparative Example 2: Tree canopy coverage 50%–60% The canopy cover was controlled at 50%–60%, and other steps were the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 30%, the incidence of rust was 40%, and the soil bulk density was 1.18 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 2.9 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 45.13%, and the relative content of limonene was 19.87%, indicating low yield, low aroma compound formation, and low disease and pest resistance. The reason for this is that the tree canopy was too small, resulting in a large area of ​​uncovered soil surface, leading to rapid water evaporation and exacerbating soil moisture deficit. Because the soil in this area has poor clay content and is prone to drought, excessive evaporation will further exacerbate the water deficit problem; therefore, the relationship between soil moisture and biomass should be properly balanced.

[0044] Comparative Example 3: Coverage around the tree trunk Leaves and branches were placed around the trunk, leaving a 20-25 cm gap, and the other steps were the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the yellow leaf rate was 60%, the rust disease incidence rate was 50%, and the soil bulk density was 1.05 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 2.3 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 45.69%, and the relative content of limonene was 21.54%. The reasons for this were analyzed as follows: High temperatures, coupled with fresh branches and leaves covering the trunk, led to high temperature and humidity in the soil, making it prone to pests and diseases, which spread rapidly; high temperatures also inhibited root activity and function. During the investigation, it was found that because the soil surface area in karst regions is small, pepper farmers tend to cover the trunk with branches and leaves, which exacerbates pests and diseases, leading to reduced pepper yields. Therefore, although this solution only made minor adjustments to the technology, it achieved significant results.

[0045] Comparative Example 4: Covering with dry branches and leaves Dry branches and leaves were used as a mulch instead of fresh branches and leaves; other steps were the same as in Example 1. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 45%, the incidence of rust was 35%, and the soil bulk density was 1.21 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 3.0 kg / plant, the relative content of linalool was 44.99%, and the relative content of limonene was 21.01%. Overall, the effect of Comparative Example 4 was significantly lower than that of Examples 1 and 2. The reason for this is that dried branches and leaves produce fewer types and quantities of metabolites compared to fresh branches and leaves, which is not conducive to creating a suitable environment for soil microbial growth; dried branches and leaves also need to absorb a large amount of water, which is not conducive to microenvironment regulation. We also conducted similar experiments in ginger cultivation and achieved similar results, indicating that the method has a certain degree of universality.

[0046] Comparative Example 5: The stone surfaces under the trees were not covered. A control group was set up with completely exposed stone surfaces under the trees (i.e., no covering). All other procedures were identical to those in Example 1. Monitoring revealed: 50% yellow leaves, 45% rust incidence, and a soil bulk density of 1.01 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 3.3 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 47.62%, and the relative content of limonene was 18.76%. The reason for this is attributed to the low rock cover and higher understory temperature, which hinders the full utilization of gaseous water resources. However, gaseous water is an important water source in this region and a crucial mechanism for the adaptation of *Zanthoxylum bungeanum* to karst drought-tolerant habitats. Practical experience has shown that high rock exposure has both positive and negative effects on yield and quality, and its adverse effects should be mitigated through human intervention.

[0047] Comparative Example 6: Full Coverage of Stone Surfaces Under Forest Trees A complete cover of the stone surface under the forest floor was set up as a control example, and the remaining operation methods were exactly the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 55%, the incidence of rust was 45%, and the soil bulk density was 1.09 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 2.9 kg / plant, the relative content of linalool was 45.21%, and the relative content of limonene was 19.83%. The pesticide application rate was more than 30% higher than in Examples 1 and 2, especially with less effective control of rust. The reason for this was that complete coverage of the stone surface impaired its heat absorption and dissipation functions, making it difficult to effectively regulate heat and reducing its ability to regulate other ecological factors, ultimately affecting disease resistance and fruit quality. In conclusion, the stone surface under the Dingtan pepper forest should not be completely exposed or completely covered. It is necessary to leverage its ecological regulation function while considering the basic characteristics of the ecological factors in the area; otherwise, it may induce pests and diseases.

[0048] Comparative Example 7: Equal amounts of fertilizer applied to all microhabitat types All microhabitat types were fertilized with equal amounts, at 0.20 kg / plant, and other steps were the same as in Example 1. Monitoring revealed that the yellow leaf rate was 60%, the rust incidence rate was 40%, and the soil bulk density was 1.17 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 2.2 kg / plant, the relative content of linalool was 43.16%, and the relative content of limonene was 20.32%. In particular, the pesticide application rate increased by more than 35% compared to Examples 1 and 2, yet the control effect was difficult to achieve. The reasons are analyzed as follows: First, the nutrient utilization rate is low, leading to the accumulation of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil. After the rainy season, branches sprout rapidly, producing a large number of tender branches and leaves, making them prone to rust disease outbreaks and consuming large amounts of nutrients, affecting yield and quality. Second, the applied nutrients are difficult to utilize quickly; they are wasted due to high-temperature volatilization and can also cause root burn, inhibiting the root system's nutrient absorption function.

[0049] Comparative Example 8: Fertilizer was not covered with soil after application. Fertilizer was applied directly to the soil as a control example, with all other steps the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the yellow leaf rate was 30%, the rust incidence rate was 25%, and the soil bulk density was 1.02 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 2.8 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 43.15%, and the relative content of limonene was 19.01%. The reasons for this are as follows: applying fertilizer to the soil surface induces the roots to grow upwards, affecting the absorption and utilization of nutrients, and to some extent reducing the absorption space of the roots, resulting in weakened tree vigor, which in turn affects yield and quality; at the same time, the roots exposed to the air will also die rapidly due to sun exposure and drought, affecting their absorption and ecological functions.

[0050] Comparative Example 9: Soil loosening depth was 15 cm Using a soil loosening depth of 15 cm as a comparative example, the other steps were the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 35%, the incidence of rust was 35%, and the soil bulk density was 1.05 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 3.1 kg / plant, the relative content of linalool was 45.33%, and the relative content of limonene was 20.84%. The reasons for this are: the roots have difficulty penetrating the plow pan, resulting in limited access to nutrients and water, which affects tree health and reduces the plant's ability to withstand adversity. Furthermore, the roots expend a significant amount of energy penetrating the plow pan, hindering the efficient allocation of matter and energy, and negatively impacting reproductive growth. In conclusion, given the low soil moisture content in karst regions, expanding the root system's space for nutrient absorption is a crucial measure to improve the plant's resilience, yield, and quality.

[0051] Comparative Example 10: Dried branches and leaves of Sichuan pepper in the top jar were not returned to the soil. A control group was set up using leaves and branches that were not naturally dried and returned to the soil; all other steps were the same as in Example 1. Monitoring revealed that the yellow leaf rate was 40%, the rust disease incidence rate was 40%, and the soil bulk density was 1.32 g / cm³. 3 The yield of fresh fruit was 3.1 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 42.79%, and the relative content of limonene was 20.75%. The reasons for this are: the high cultivation costs in the main production area of ​​Dingtan pepper mean that farmers mainly rely on compound fertilizers, which in the long run leads to structural nutrient deficiency. This also makes Dingtan pepper stands prone to premature physiological decline, resulting in a severe decrease in ecological function and economic productivity, affecting the stability of the industry. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the development of the Dingtan pepper industry in relation to issues such as rocky desertification control and soil ecological function degradation, and to carry out forestry industry restructuring, coordinated water and fertilizer supply, and pest and disease control to upgrade the Dingtan pepper industry model.

[0052] Comparative Example 11: Branches and leaves were crushed to a depth of 3 cm and then returned to the soil. The shredded leaves and branches were crushed to a particle size of 3 cm and returned to the soil; other steps were the same as in Example 2. Monitoring revealed that the proportion of yellow leaves was 15%, the incidence of rust was 20%, and the soil bulk density was 0.97 g / cm³. 3 The fresh fruit yield was 3.3 kg / tree, the relative content of linalool was 44.27%, and the relative content of limonene was 20.16%. The reasons for this are: the high frequency of soil drought in this area, the excessively large particle size of debris, and the long decomposition time result in poor soil structure improvement, hindering the full utilization of fertilizers, especially readily available nutrients, thus affecting yield formation. The soil in this area has poor clay content, loose structure, and low ecological function. When carrying out organic fertilization, it is necessary to consider both nutrient return rate and efficiency; otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve the desired effect and may even exacerbate soil erosion.

[0053] The method of this invention is highly advanced and comprehensive, effectively regulating ecological factors and significantly enhancing the vigor of Dingtan pepper trees, which is beneficial to yield and quality (see Table 1 for details). Due to reduced management costs and optimized yield and quality, it is more favored by the market, leading to a substantial increase in the economic benefits of Dingtan pepper and a significant increase in farmers' willingness to plant it. In the cultivation of Dingtan pepper, precise regulation of techniques should be combined with habitat characteristics, which helps to improve stress resistance, yield, and quality.

[0054] Table 1 Comparison of results from different methods

[0055] Table 1 shows that the amount of fertilizer applied to the microhabitat, the area covered by branches and leaves, and the proportion of stone surface coverage have a significant combined impact on the stress resistance and fruit yield of the Dingtan pepper plants. This is because these measures precisely regulate the ecological factors of the microhabitat, such as water, heat, and nutrients. Therefore, the regulation of microhabitats under the Dingtan pepper forest is the result of the synergistic effect of multiple technologies; relying on a single technical means is unlikely to achieve the desired results.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for precise regulation of microhabitats under a Zanthoxylum bungeanum forest in a karst region, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Adjust the canopy coverage to 70%–80%; (2) Based on the amount of fertilizer applied to the soil surface, the amount of fertilizer applied is determined according to the microhabitat type, the connectivity between the underground and the soil storage. For microhabitats with strong underground connectivity, apply 0.8 to 0.9 times the amount of soil surface fertilizer; for microhabitats with weak underground connectivity and low soil storage, apply 0.5 to 0.6 times the amount of soil surface fertilizer. Cover with soil after fertilization. (3) When loosening the soil, penetrate the bottom layer of the plow to a depth of 25-30 cm; (4) After the pepper is harvested in July, cut the fresh branches into 20-40 cm lengths and cover them on the ground at a distance of 20-30 cm from the trunk. The covering thickness is 4-8 cm, and the covering area of ​​the stone surface is 40%-50%. (5) The sun-dried branches and leaves are crushed into 0.5-1 cm pieces and returned to the soil in August or September, with a dosage of 30-40 kg / mu; (6) Add limestone powder at a rate of 100-120 kg / mu, along with dry branches and leaves.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the soil covering in step (2) is 3 to 5 cm.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microhabitats with strong underground connectivity mentioned in step (2) include stone caves, stone ditches, and stone troughs; the microhabitats with weak underground connectivity and low soil reserves include stone surfaces, stone pits, and stone crevices.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loosening of soil described in step (3) is carried out after the pepper harvest in July.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh branches mentioned in step (4) are those picked on the same day as the peppercorns.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When covering the stone surface with fresh branches as described in step (4), the coverage ratio is 40%.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When returning the crushed branches and leaves to the soil as described in step (5), they should be directly covered on the soil surface with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 cm.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limestone powder in step (6) has a particle size of 1 mm.

9. The application of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 in the precise regulation of microhabitats under the Zanthoxylum bungeanum forest in the karst region.

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