EFFECT OF LOW-CONCENTRATION FERTILIZERS ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF ZANTHOXYLUM BUNGEANUM

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim, also known as "Huajiao," is a plant native to China, prized for its fragrant flavor and various therapeutic properties. Nutrient insufficiency is a significant limitation to plant development, and fertilization is commonly used to overcome this challenge. However, the effects of fertilization vary depending on the amount of fertilizer applied, the years following treatment, and the nutritional condition of the forest site. In this study, the effects of different soil fertilization treatments—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and a special compound fertilizer for pepper (HZ)—on the morphological parameters of Z. bungeanum were analyzed from March to August 2024. The results showed that plant height and weight significantly improved with fertilization, with low concentrations of fertilizer having the most positive effects on these growth parameters. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing fertilizer application to enhance the growth and development of Z. bungeanum. This research provides a foundation for further studies aimed at improving forest management and maximizing the potential of this valuable species.