Shellac serves as the primary product within the shellac production system, with all production activities centered around this objective. Common production models in shellac cultivation include:
1、Integrated Shellac and Crop Production Model
o Short-term intercropping with shellac as the main focus: In the initial 1 to 3 years, when the host plants are sparse, intercropping with crops such as legumes, flowers, and green manure is feasible. Full-year intercropping is done in the first year, followed by spring and autumn intercropping in the second year, and winter and spring intercropping in the third year. The density of shellac host plants is between 1000 to 1500 per hectare.
o Crop-focused perennial intercropping: This model uses tall arboreal host plants for shellac, with a density of 675 to 1125 plants per hectare. The crops include sorghum, peanuts, and soybeans.
o Agroforestry intercropping: This involves integrating shellac host plants with field edges, bunds, ditches, roads, channels, and terraced margins.
2、Integrated Shellac and Medicinal Plant Production Model
o This model primarily uses arboreal hosts for shellac, under which short-term or long-term medicinal plants are cultivated.
3、Mixed Shellac and Pasture Model
o This approach uses tall arboreal hosts for developing shellac, with grazing allowed under the canopy; young forests are protected from grazing, followed by rotational grazing among different tree species as they mature.
Among these three shellac production models, the majority of shellac production adopts the first method. This diversity in production models not only underscores the versatility of shellac cultivation in integrating with other agricultural practices but also highlights the significant economic value of shellac. By combining shellac production with crops, medicinal plants, or pasture, producers can maximize land use, enhance biodiversity, and increase their income streams, thereby contributing to the economic sustainability of rural areas.