What are the key points of the cultivation techniques for Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes)?

SummarySite selection and land preparation: Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes) should be planted in loose, fertile sandy soil with good drainage and irrigation. Base fertilizer: apply sufficient decomposed farmyard manure, then sow after making beds. Propagation methods: can be propagated by drilling or broadcasting. Thinning and final thinning: keep 2-3 strong seedlings per hole. Water: keep the soil moist before emergence; no watering is needed once grown. Topdressing: in June-July apply decomposed farmyard manure together with superphosphate; in October, decomposed compost can be applied by trenching.

I. Sowing methods for Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes)

1. Site selection and land preparation

Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes) should be grown on sandy loam with good drainage and irrigation, flat terrain, and fertility and looseness as a seedling bed; the planting field should be chosen on a sunny barren hillside, and the soil should be well-drained, deep, fertile, loose sandy loam or humus soil. It is not suitable to plant in low-lying, easily waterlogged plots.

2. Base fertilizer

After selecting the seedling site, apply about 3000-4000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu, then plow about 20-25 cm deep, level and harrow fine. In dry areas make flat beds; in rainy areas make high beds, with a bed width of about 1.2-1.4 m, and the length can be determined according to the specific terrain.

3. Propagation methods

Generally from late March to early April, propagate by drilling or broadcasting.

(1) Drilling

Prepare the bed surface in advance, then open furrows horizontally at a row spacing of about 15-20 cm, with a furrow depth of about 2 cm, sow seeds in the furrows, cover with soil and press firm, water, and to keep the bed surface moist, cover with a layer of grass.

(2) Broadcasting

Make the bed in advance, then broadcast seeds on the bed surface, cover with a thin layer of soil, and after sowing cover with a layer of grass. The sowing rate is about 3-4 kg per mu.

II. Cultivation methods for Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes)

1. Thinning and final thinning

For direct-seeded Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes), thinning can begin when the seedlings grow to 5-6 cm; when they grow to 15-20 cm, final thinning can be carried out at a row spacing of about 25 cm. For hole sowing, keep 2-3 strong seedlings per hole, with a planting density of 12,000-15,000 plants per mu.

2. Intertillage and weeding

During the seedling stage, shallow loosening of the soil should be carried out regularly to remove weeds. After transplanting, intertillage and weeding are needed about 3-4 times per year, loosening the soil about once every 60 days, which can be done together with hilling and fertilizing.

3. Water

Before emergence, the soil must be kept moist at all times, which helps promote emergence and thus speeds up seedling growth. When the soil thaws in early spring, water immediately to protect the seedlings; in dry weather, water promptly. Once grown, no watering is needed.

4. Fertilization

During the seedling stage, apply about 2000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu. In June-July, mainly use decomposed farmyard manure at about 2500-3000 kg per mu, applied together with about 15 kg of superphosphate. In October, decomposed compost can be applied by trenching, then water and cover with soil.

5. Pest and disease control

The main pest of Atractylodes lancea (northern Atractylodes) is aphids. If pests are found, promptly remove dead branches and fallen leaves, bury them deeply or burn them, then spray 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500-2000 times dilution or 50% fenitrothion at 1000-2000 times dilution for control, spraying once a week for several consecutive times.