Analysis of the Effect of Weed Barrier Fabric Covering on Growth of Chinese Fir Seedlings Cunninghamia Lanceolata（Lamb.）Hook and Silviculture Cost

During the period of 2021-2023, a field experiment was conducted in newly established Chinese fir（Cunninghamia Lanceolata（Lamb.）Hook）plantations at a state-owned forest farm in the suburbs of Sanming City, Fujian Province, to investigate the effects of fabric weed barrier around tree bases on plantation survival rates, seedling growth, and silvicultural costs.. The experiment compared plots with treatment of fabric weed barrier to those without. The treatment group involved the use of square fabric weed barriers of 0.8 m（Treatment 1), 1.0 m（Treatment 2), and 1.2 m（Treatment 3). Based on the survey results at the third year after planting demonstrated superior overall performance, with average survival rates of 94.00% and 94.67%; the average ground diameters were 7.26 cm and 7.50 cm; and the average heights were 386.3 cm and 391.9 cm, respectively. From the comprehensive perspective of silviculture effects and costs, we suggest that the use of 1.0 m fabric weed barrier with continuous coverage treatment for three years achieves the best balance between survival rate, seedling growth and material costs for Chinese fir seedlings（average 4,095 cny·hm⁻²）and is therefore the optimal choice for corresponding silviculture practice in the future.