Why are grape seedlings buried in sand?

This video documents a farmer removing and sorting bundles of grape seedlings from a sand pile in an open field. The video shows bundles of seedlings with roots and pruned branches neatly tied together and buried under dry, fine sand. The farmer pries open the sand layer and lifts the bundles of seedlings, still covered in sand, with sand particles clinging to the roots. The sorted bundles of seedlings are laid flat on the sand beside them. This practice is not random burying, but rather a common "sand storage" method used in grape seedling cultivation and distribution. By burying the seedling roots in loose, clean sand, air is isolated, and moderate humidity and temperature are maintained, preventing root dehydration, frost damage, or premature sprouting. This method is particularly suitable for winter storage and short-term preservation before spring planting. This process reflects the precise control of the physiological state of seedlings in fruit tree cultivation, and also embodies the practical methods formed through long-term planting experience. Compared with cold storage or complex preservation methods, sand storage is low-cost and simple to operate, and can effectively ensure that grape seedlings maintain their vitality before transplanting. It is a basic but key management measure that has been used by fruit growers and nurseries for a long time.