After digging a deep planting hole for chemical treatment, fill the bottom of the hole with surface soil mixed with organic fertilizer, making sure the layer is 20-30 cm below the edge. Then, water the hole until the water seeps into the soil. Place the seedling's roots on the wet soil and gradually fill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to ensure good contact. This planting method ensures that the soil beneath the root zone remains moist, allowing water to move upward and infiltrate evenly. As a result, the roots stay hydrated, air circulation improves, and the seedlings recover quickly, leading to a high survival rate.
Once the seedlings are planted, cover them with plastic film bags that are longer than the height of the seedlings. Secure the bags from top to bottom and bury the lower edges in the soil to protect against wind and sun. This helps reduce leaf transpiration and prevents wilting, especially during the early stages of growth.
For dry, sandy hillsides where fruit trees are being planted, use the stone-pressing soil protection method. After watering and planting, cover the base of the seedling with small pebbles or stones within a 1m² area, about 6-10 cm thick. This technique prevents wind erosion, reduces water runoff, blocks sunlight, improves water infiltration, and minimizes evaporation, helping to maintain moisture and warmth around the roots, which significantly increases the survival rate of the seedlings.
Another effective method is the chemical water retention technique. Apply a polymer-based water-absorbent agent to the roots before planting, or soak the roots in a 1%-2% solution of the agent. Alternatively, mix the agent into the soil when filling the planting hole before placing the seedling. These polymers can absorb up to 500-1000 times their weight in water, releasing it slowly during dry periods to keep the roots moist and improve drought resistance. After planting, apply a 0.01%-0.05% aspirin solution through watering or foliar spray to further reduce water loss and enhance the seedling’s ability to withstand drought.
During transportation and storage, seedlings with water-soaked roots should be packed with moist mulch to prevent root drying and branch wilting. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 12-24 hours to ensure they are fully hydrated. Then, dip the roots in a mixture of 1% superphosphate and 40 units of rooting powder. This helps retain moisture, encourages root development, and accelerates the survival process.
For transplanting fruit trees in areas with limited water supply, use the water-sweeping bag method. Fill plastic bags with water and place them tightly around strong, healthy roots. Each tree should have 2-3 water bags placed in different directions. Bury the bags carefully without breaking them, so the roots can gradually absorb the water, promoting faster recovery and survival.
Another technique involves soaking the roots in a sweet and sour liquid before planting. Soak the roots in a 5% sucrose solution or a 1%-2% vinegar solution to increase cell concentration and organic acid content, which enhances root activity and improves the survival rate of the seedlings.
For evergreen saplings, use the leafless, grass-moisturizing method. Prune mature autumn shoots, sparse branches, diseased or weak branches, and dense branches, removing 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves to reduce transpiration. After planting, cover the area with wet straw or fresh corn and sorghum stalks, about 6-10 cm thick, to maintain moisture and support drought resistance, ensuring better survival of the young trees.