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Export of agricultural products

Frozen waterlogged swamp soil conditions for seedlings

Frozen, waterlogged swamp soil is a challenging environment for planting saplings due to three main factors: being swampy (permanently saturated), waterlogged (high water table), and frozen (below zero temperatures). This combination leads to severe conditions for saplings, resulting in oxygen deficiency, impaired nutrient absorption, root damage from ice, halted root growth, and the risk of winter kill. Swampy soil lacks sufficient oxygen because it remains constantly saturated, causing roots to die despite appearing healthy. When soil is waterlogged, roots are submerged, disrupting their ability to breathe and take in nutrients. Freezing not only stops nutrient movement but also causes physical harm to roots through ice formation. Roots cannot develop in frozen ground, and cold, moist conditions can deplete stored energy, preventing bud growth in spring. Planting in these conditions is possible but requires specific strategies. Choose hardy, native species adapted to cold, wet environments, such as common reed and certain birches. Active soil management is crucial, including improving drainage with ditches and perforated pipes or creating raised planting mounds to elevate saplings above saturated layers. Timing is essential; it’s best to plant in early spring after the thaw and before the soil becomes saturated again. Consider using insulating covers to reduce frost effects and monitor soil conditions continuously. Overall, thorough planning and careful selection can allow successful planting in challenging frozen, waterlogged swamp soils, but without management, saplings face high mortality risks.

10/31/2025 8:00:00 AM View More

Soil temperature at depth for seedlings

Soil temperature at depth is important for agriculture and environmental science, especially when planting and caring for saplings. It refers to the temperature of soil layers below the surface, typically from 5 cm to 1 m deep. Several factors affect this temperature, such as solar radiation, soil moisture, soil type, vegetation, season, and rainfall. Soil temperature at depth is crucial for saplings since their roots grow most actively in the shallow layers during their first year. Optimal temperatures for most tree roots range from 15 to 25°C, with root growth stopping below 10°C and being damaged above 35°C. The soil acts as an insulator, dampening temperature fluctuations and delaying heat or cold from reaching deeper layers. Measuring soil temperature can be done using soil thermometers, digital sensors, or estimates based on air temperature. Soil type also influences temperature, with dark soils heating faster and sandy soils cooling quickly. Soil moisture stabilizes temperatures, while vegetative cover can limit extreme heating or cooling. Management strategies to regulate soil temperature include mulching, deep and infrequent irrigation, planting in deep holes, shading, and choosing deeper-rooting species. Regional differences in soil temperature across various areas require specific recommendations for effective planting and maintenance. Ignoring soil temperature can lead to poor growth and other negative consequences.

10/19/2025 6:08:00 PM View More

Bare-Root Saplings: A Complete Guide

A bare-root sapling is a young tree or plant taken from the ground during winter dormancy with no soil around its roots, exposing them completely. These saplings have moist roots wrapped in materials to keep them from drying out and are mostly available for sale between late autumn and early spring. They are lighter and easier to transport than container-grown or B&B (ball-and-burlap) saplings, with visible roots that allow buyers to inspect their health. However, bare-root saplings need immediate planting and careful handling since exposed roots can dry out quickly. The advantages of bare-root saplings include their lower cost (often 30-50% cheaper), better root growth since they are not root-bound, easier transport, a wider variety of species available, and reduced transplant shock. On the downside, they must be planted right after purchase during dormancy, requiring prompt and careful handling to avoid damage. For successful planting, follow these steps: unwrap the saplings, keep roots moist, soak them for a few hours, and prune any damaged roots. Prepare the planting hole by digging it wide and deep enough, placing the sapling on a soil mound, and ensuring the root collar is positioned properly. Finally, backfill the hole, water it thoroughly, create a watering basin, and apply mulch while potentially staking the sapling for stability if necessary.

10/17/2025 9:20:00 PM View More

Full Dormancy Until Before Bud Swell in Saplings

The phrase “full dormancy until before bud swell” is important for successfully moving and planting bare-root saplings. Full dormancy is when a plant halts growth and metabolic activity during winter, allowing it to survive cold temperatures. Signs of full dormancy include leafless branches, small firm buds, and no visible growth. During this state, the sapling uses minimal water and stores energy as carbohydrates in roots, preparing for spring growth. Bud swell signals that the sapling is waking up. As temperatures rise, buds start to enlarge and the green tips of leaves might become visible. At this point, the sapling has a high demand for water and energy for new growth. The best time for planting bare-root saplings is during this period of full dormancy. The reasons include minimal transplant shock, maximum energy reserves for root development, and greater resilience during handling. If planting is done after bud swell, serious problems may arise, such as root-shoot imbalances, misallocated energy, and increased risk of stress or death for the sapling. Plant dormancy is a state where growth stops to protect the plant from cold. It includes two stages: obligatory dormancy, where buds won't break, and optional dormancy, where conditions aren't suitable for growth. Planting during full dormancy allows saplings to better develop their roots, avoid damage, and reduce the risk of disease after transplanting.

10/16/2025 11:04:00 PM View More

Damaging Winds and Newly Planted Saplings

Damaging Winds and Newly Planted Saplings For newly planted saplings, damaging winds (i.e., strong or storm-force winds) can have serious consequences. Wind is one of the main stressors for newly planted saplings and can harm them in various ways. Effects of damaging winds on newly planted saplings: 1) Stem breakage or bending: Young saplings have soft, flexible stems, but in strong winds they may break or become permanently bent. 2) Root detachment from the soil (wind rock): The root system of newly planted saplings is not yet well anchored. Strong winds can shake the sapling and loosen the roots from the soil—a phenomenon known as wind rock. Persistent wind-induced movement causes the sapling to become loose in the soil. This motion damages the fine, hair-like roots responsible for water and nutrient uptake and disrupts the plant’s establishment. 3) Rapid drying of leaves and stems (excessive evaporation): Strong wind increases the evaporation of water from leaf surfaces. If the roots cannot absorb enough water, the sapling will wilt and may even die. By increasing the rate of evaporation and transpiration from the leaves, wind causes rapid water loss in the plant.

10/17/2025 10:24:00 PM View More

The impact of heat waves on seedlings

Heat waves: why they matter to nursery owners and how to fight them A complete, structured, and practical guide focused on saplings and nursery operations Overview For a nursery owner, a heat wave is not just bad weather; it’s a direct threat to inventory, cash flow, reputation, and business continuity. Dense collections of young, containerized plants are far more vulnerable than field‑established trees. Winning against heat waves requires early warning, pre‑season preparation, fast operational responses, and smart aftercare. What is a heat wave and why is it dangerous for saplings? - Definition: A period of abnormally high temperatures (typically >35–40°C) lasting days to weeks, often paired with low humidity, hot winds, and water scarcity. - Why saplings suffer: Young plants (especially in year 1) have shallow/weak root systems, high leaf area to root mass, and limited water/energy reserves. Container media and black pots heat quickly; root zones can exceed air temperature by 10–20°C. Section 1) Impacts of heat waves on saplings 1) Evapotranspiration spikes - High temperature + hot wind + low RH = rapid leaf water loss → roots cannot keep up → physiological wilting.

10/13/2025 6:40:00 PM View More

The impact of frost waves on seedlings

Frost waves: a complete, structured, and practical guide for nurseries (impact on saplings and how to fight back) Overview - What it is: a rapid-onset period of sub‑zero air temperatures (hours to days) that can ice plant surfaces, chill tissues below 0°C, and injure/kill saplings. - Why it matters in nurseries: saplings breaking dormancy (swollen buds, tender leaves) are highly vulnerable; one cold snap can wipe a year of growth and sales. - Keys to survival: early warning, the right protection method for the type of event, disciplined execution (start/stop rules), and timely aftercare. 1) What exactly is a “frost wave” (cold snap)? - Definition: a period of sub‑zero air temperatures that arrives suddenly (often late fall or early spring), lasts hours to several days, and commonly features clear skies, a temperature inversion, and calm/light winds. - Frost vs freeze injury: - Frost: ice forms on surfaces when air/surface fall below 0°C. - Freeze injury (cold injury): internal tissues drop below their freezing point (can occur even if air sits just above 0°C due to radiation cooling). - Two main meteorological types (your tactics depend on which you face): - Radiational frost (clear, calm): heat radiates to the sky; strong inversion forms (warmer air aloft). Best candidates for fans, covers, and sprinkler protection. - Advective freeze (cold, windy air mass): low humidity and wind; little/no inversion. Fans are ineffective; protection relies on heavy water application or not feasible beyond mild events.

10/13/2025 11:44:00 PM View More

Plant dormancy

Plant dormancy: what it is, why it happens, and how to care for dormant plants Overview Dormancy is a natural stage in many plants’ life cycles when growth and metabolism temporarily stop or slow sharply. It’s a survival strategy that helps plants ride out harsh conditions such as winter cold and frost, extreme summer heat, or drought. When conditions improve, the plant “wakes up” and resumes a new growth cycle. Why plants enter dormancy 1) Climate and weather - Cold (winter dormancy): In temperate regions, shorter days and falling temperatures trigger leaf drop and growth stoppage in deciduous trees (e.g., apple, maple, oak) to avoid freeze damage. - Heat and drought (summer dormancy): In hot, arid areas, some plants go dormant to cope with water scarcity and intense heat. 2) Internal factors - Hormonal control (part of the plant’s natural life cycle), including increased abscisic acid (ABA) that promotes dormancy. What happens during dormancy - Growth stops: No new shoots, leaves, or roots are produced. - Metabolism slows: Energy and water use drop to a minimum. - Leaf drop: Deciduous plants shed leaves to reduce water loss and frost injury. - Energy storage: Carbohydrates are stored in roots, bulbs, or underground stems for use in the next growing season.

10/7/2025 7:12:00 PM View More

Comprehensive Guide to Planting and Caring for Almond Trees

The almond tree is one of the most valuable and popular fruit trees in Iran and worldwide. Besides producing nutritious and tasty nuts, it plays a significant economic role. According to recent statistics, Iran is among the top almond producers in the world, and a large portion of its production is exported to other countries.

10/4/2025 7:42:00 PM View More

The Best Time to Plant Almond Trees

One of the main questions farmers often ask when establishing an almond orchard is: When is the best time to plant almond trees? The answer depends on the climatic conditions of the region, the type of seedling, and the planting method.

10/3/2025 5:44:00 AM View More