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A round-bottomed pit of 1-m depth and 1 m width should be first dug. The surface soil and other layers of soil should be disposed separately. The soil should be put back at the bottom of the pit, several days before planting. About 50 to 100 kg of grass, manure and rubbish, 1 to 1.5 kg of lime, 50 kg of organic fertilizer and 0.5 kg of phosphorus should be mixed with the rest of the soil and put back.
The season for planting litchi is based on the time of supply of the seedlings, the climate and also on the local custom. Generally, the best planting season is spring (February to April). The next best time for planting is summer (May to July). Planting can also be done in autumn (August to September).
Two varieties of litchis should be selected for plantation on large areas in order to help pollination and increase fruit setting ratio. The seedlings selected should be strong and of 50 to 60 cm heights, free from disease and pests.
For trees with large canopy, the spacing between the rows should be 6 to 7 m with about 250 trees/ha. For trees with small canopy, the spacing between rows should be 5 to 6 m with 330 trees/ha. About 8 cm thick soil should cover the roots of the seedling.
In order to prevent insect infestation, the BHC (bemzeme jexacjprode, a local pesticide) powder should be evenly scattered around the roots of the planted seedlings.
In order to keep the seedling stable, the soil around it should be pressed by hand and the seedling covered with grass straw after planting. Watering should be done slowly and regularly 5-6 times a month with light fertilizer application. A shady canopy of tree branches should be constructed around the seedling. |
