Detailed explanation of seedling raising technology in seedling trays

Seedling tray is a commonly used seedling raising tool in modern agricultural production. This article will introduce in detail the selection, production, usage and management skills of seedling tray to help everyone easily master the seedling raising technology of seedling tray.

Selection and production of seedling trays

1. Material selection

The main materials for making seedling trays are plastic, glass, ceramics, etc. Plastic seedling trays have the advantages of low price, light weight, easy to carry, and corrosion resistance; glass seedling trays have high transparency, which is convenient for observing plant growth; ceramic seedling trays have good thermal insulation properties and are suitable for low temperature environments. When choosing a seedling tray, comprehensive consideration should be given to actual needs and usage environment.

2. Production

(1) Plastic seedling tray production method:

a. Prepare the necessary materials: polyethylene granules, water, mixer, heat gun, and mold.

b. Pour the polyethylene granules into a blender, add appropriate amount of water and mix well.

c. Pour the mixed slurry into the mold and smooth the surface with a scraper.

d. Heat over high heat until the temperature reaches about 70-80°C, then turn to low heat and heat slowly to solidify the slurry.

e. After cooling, demould and you will get a plastic seedling tray.

(2) Method for making glass seedling tray:

a. Prepare the required materials: quartz sand, soda ash, limestone, glass raw materials, high temperature furnace, and mold.

b. Mix quartz sand, soda ash and limestone in a certain proportion and melt them in a high-temperature furnace.

c. Pour the molten glass into the mold and wait for it to cool and solidify naturally.

d. After demoulding, you can get a glass seedling tray.

e. For ceramic seedling trays, traditional manual production methods such as the wheel production method can be used.

How to use the seedling tray

1. Cleaning and disinfection

Before using the seedling tray, it needs to be cleaned and disinfected. Generally, it is cleaned with warm water and a small amount of detergent, and then rinsed with clean water. For plastic products, diluted bleach can be used for disinfection; for glass and ceramic products, vinegar or alcohol can be used for wipe disinfection.

2. Fill with soil and seeds

Fill the seedling tray with suitable soil. The soil moisture should be moderate. Too wet or too dry will affect the growth of the plant. Then sprinkle the seeds on the soil at a certain distance and depth, and then use a spray bottle to gently spray a layer of water to keep the soil moist.

3. Light and temperature control

According to the growth needs of different plants, the light and temperature should be controlled reasonably. Most plants need sufficient sunlight to grow well, but some plants adapt to semi-shady environment. In terms of temperature, it is generally required to be kept between 15-28°C. Too high or too low will affect plant growth. Auxiliary facilities such as shade nets and heat preservation covers can be used to adjust the light and temperature.

4. Ventilation and humidity control

Ventilation and humidity also have a great impact on plant growth. Ventilation can promote air circulation and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. Excessive humidity can easily lead to the breeding of pathogens, while too little humidity will cause plants to lose water. You can adjust the indoor humidity by opening windows for ventilation or using a humidifier. You can also spray the plants regularly to keep the soil moist.

Management skills of seedling tray

1. Regular observation and adjustment

When using the seedling tray, you should regularly observe the growth of the plants, such as leaf color, stem thickness, etc. Once any abnormality is found, you should take timely measures to make adjustments, such as adjusting the light and temperature, etc. You should also pay attention to the moisture and fertility of the soil, and replenish water and nutrients in time.

2. Timely weeding and pruning

During the plant growth process, weeds and diseased and insect-infested plants should be removed in time to keep the environment in the plant seedling tray clean and sanitary. For larger and redundant branches, they can be properly pruned to facilitate the growth and branching of the plant trunk.