International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 426-437 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 429 3 Orchard Selection and Land Preparation 3.1 Criteria for optimizing orchard selection Akebia trifoliata is a shallow-rooted species with a broad and shallow root system, making the selection of suitable terrain and fertile soil crucial for its growth. It is best planted in open areas with ample sunlight, especially in wind-protected semi-shaded regions, as excessive shading or intense sun exposure can hinder its growth (Bi et al., 2022, South-Central Agricultural Science and Technology, 43(1): 40-42,60). The study found that climate change has a significant impact on the distribution of Akebia trifoliata. Model predictions indicate that under different climate scenarios, the areas suitable for the growth of Akebia trifoliata will change. With rising temperatures, its suitable growing areas may gradually shift northward (Zhang et al., 2022). In terms of soil, sandy loam and loam are optimal, as they offer good drainage while retaining moisture and aeration, meeting the plant's needs for water and oxygen (Zhang et al., 2020). If the orchard is selected in low-lying areas with poor drainage, water accumulation may occur, affecting root development and reducing yield. In addition, Akebia trifoliata requires a certain amount of calcium in the soil, so choosing calcium-rich soils is beneficial for its healthy growth. The availability of water sources is another important factor in orchard planning. During the fruit enlargement stage, Akebia trifoliata requires sufficient water, so the orchard should be near a reliable water source to facilitate irrigation during dry seasons, ensuring the quality and yield of the fruit. To protect the orchard's ecological environment and fruit safety, the site should be far from sources of pollution such as exhaust gases, wastewater, and waste residues to avoid soil and water contamination, ensuring that the fruits are safe and environmentally friendly (Pan et al., 2020). Furthermore, the orchard should be close to areas with convenient transportation, which facilitates daily field management, fruit transport, and harvesting activities, also contributing positively to agritourism development. A well-chosen orchard can significantly enhance the economic value and market competitiveness of Akebia trifoliata. 3.2 Clearing debris and soil preparation Since Akebia trifoliata has a well-developed but shallow root system, it is necessary to provide a clean and loose soil environment for its growth. When clearing the land, weeds, shrubs, and wild vines that may hinder root growth must be thoroughly removed to avoid unnecessary nutrient competition and potential disease risks. The clearing process is usually carried out along the contour lines to protect the topsoil and prevent soil erosion. For larger areas, the land can be cleared in phases to ensure the quality of the land preparation work. This systematic clearing provides favorable soil conditions for subsequent cultivation, helping Akebia trifoliata to establish healthy roots and grow well (Jia et al., 2023). After clearing the debris, deep plowing is required to improve soil structure. The depth of deep plowing should generally be between 30 and 40 centimeters. Through deep plowing, the soil becomes sufficiently loosened, enhancing its aeration and water retention, thus providing ample space for root growth. During the plowing process, combining the application of organic fertilizers, such as decomposed compost or farmyard manure, yields the best results, as it helps to improve soil nutrient content and microbial activity (Maciąg et al., 2021). In addition, drainage ditches should be dug around the plot during deep plowing to prevent water accumulation that may damage the roots of Akebia trifoliata. Fine land preparation measures not only ensure the survival rate of seedlings but also provide a stable foundation for later growth, leading to high yield and quality cultivation. 3.3 Design of planting beds and planting holes In the cultivation of Akebia trifoliata, the design of planting beds and planting holes is an important step to ensure tree growth and yield. Typically, the width of the planting beds is recommended to be 2 meters, which facilitates air circulation, sunlight exposure, and daily field management. The design of planting holes should consider the spacing between plants, which is recommended to be 1 × 2 meters, providing ample growth space and allowing approximately 330 seedlings per acre (Bi et al., 2022, South-Central Agricultural Science and Technology, 43(1):
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