Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) Planting Techniques Explained in Detail and Per-Mu Profit Analysis

Abstract Planting techniques: Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) should be planted in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil, and continuous cropping must be avoided. Divide the tuberous roots and fibrous roots into individual plants, trim off the remaining fibrous roots, cut away part of the rhizome, and then plant immediately; if planting cannot be done immediately, the seedlings must be tended. The best planting time is April to May; furrow strip planting or hole planting may be used, watering 1-2 times is needed around the Start of Spring, and in summer waterlogging must be actively drained. Per-mu profit: Generally the per-mu profit is around 15,000-20,000 yuan.

I. Dwarf Lilyturf Planting Techniques

1. Site selection and land preparation

(1) For planting dwarf lilyturf, it is suitable to choose loose, fertile, moist and well-drained sandy loam soil, and sloping land may also be chosen for cultivation.

(2) When planting dwarf lilyturf, be sure not to practice continuous cropping; after the current crop is harvested, the land must be prepared in a timely manner, making the soil loose, fine and level.

(3) If the field plot is too large and the soil surface is uneven, small earth ridges can be built separately to facilitate irrigation and drainage.

2. Seedlings

(1) Dwarf lilyturf is mostly propagated by division. In the Sichuan region this is done around Qingming Festival, and in the Zhejiang region during the period from the Start of Summer to Grain in Ear.

(2) When digging up dwarf lilyturf, choose plants that are dark green in color and robust; cut off the tuberous roots and fibrous roots and divide them into individual plants, trim off the remaining fibrous roots, cut away part of the rhizome, and then plant immediately.

(3) If planting cannot be done immediately, the seedlings must be tended: soak the stem base of the seedlings in water so they absorb sufficient moisture, then stand them upright side by side on loosened soil that has been dug in a shady place, and cover the surrounding area with soil for storage.

(4) If the temperature is too high, water once a day or every other day; in addition, note that the seedling-tending time must not exceed 7 days.

3. Planting

(1) In the Sichuan region planting is mostly done in April, and in the Zhejiang region mostly in May; planting is generally done on sunny or cloudy days.

(2) The Sichuan region uses furrow strip planting, with a row spacing of about 15 cm and a depth of about 5 cm.

(3) The Zhejiang region mostly uses hole planting, with a hole depth of 3 cm-5 cm, a row spacing of about 25 cm, and a plant spacing of about 15 cm. Generally 9-10 seedlings are planted per hole.

4. Intercropping

(1) Dwarf lilyturf needs to grow in a shady and moist environment, and intercropping is practiced in all its main production areas.

(2) The Sichuan region usually plants corn between summer and autumn, with a corn row spacing of about 50 cm; after emergence, keep 1-2 seedlings per hill, with 1 seedling being preferable, and harvest before the Start of Autumn.

(3) Winter and early spring are the growth period for the tuberous roots of dwarf lilyturf, so generally no crops are interplanted, to avoid affecting the yield of dwarf lilyturf.

(4) In the Zhejiang region the planting row and plant spacing are relatively wide and the growth period is long, so the main intercrops are watermelon, broad bean, etc. Generally intercropping is done in the 1st and 2nd years, and no intercropping is done in the third year, to avoid affecting the yield and quality of dwarf lilyturf.

5. Irrigation

(1) After the Start of Summer the weather gradually becomes hotter and water evaporation increases, so watering should be done in a timely manner.

(2) There is little rainfall in spring and winter, and drought is likely to occur, so watering 1-2 times around the Start of Spring is needed to promote the growth of the tuberous roots.

(3) Summer rainfall is relatively concentrated, so accumulated water in the field should be drained in a timely manner to prevent pests and diseases caused by hot and humid weather from affecting production.

II. Per-Mu Profit of Dwarf Lilyturf

Generally, each mu of dwarf lilyturf can produce 1,500-2,000 kg of fresh dwarf lilyturf; at the current market purchase price of 9-10 yuan, the per-mu profit can reach 10,000-20,000 yuan.

In addition, dwarf lilyturf seedlings currently sell for about 6 mao per kg, and the seedlings from each mu of dwarf lilyturf can sell for about 3,000 yuan; the per-mu profit from planting dwarf lilyturf on ordinary plots can range from 15,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan.