Key Technical Points for Atractylodes lancea Cultivation and Per-Mu Profit Analysis
SummarySite selection: choose fertile, loose soil; thinning to final stand: set plants at a spacing of about 15 cm between plants and about 25 cm between rows; weeding: weed 3-4 times per year; watering: water promptly during drought to keep the soil moist, water after the early-spring thaw to protect seedlings, and prevent waterlogging in the rainy season; fertilizing: at the seedling stage apply about 2000 kg of farmyard manure per mu; seed saving: remove flower buds at the bud stage and save seeds; harvesting: harvest 3-4 years after sowing or 2-3 years after transplanting. Profit ranges from 7000-16000 yuan per mu.
I. Atractylodes lancea Cultivation Techniques
1. Site selection and land preparation
(1) Atractylodes lancea grows in fertile soil rich in humus, and can also be planted in highly water-absorbent, well-drained, loose, medium to slightly acidic sandy loam in areas with direct sunlight and dryness.
(2) Generally, the wide-ridge high-bed technique is used, with a width of about 130-140 cm, a height of about 10-12 cm, and a spacing of about 30 cm between beds; the length is determined according to actual conditions.
2. Thinning and final standing
When Atractylodes lancea seedlings grow to 5-6 cm tall, direct sowing begins; when they reach 10-15 cm tall, thin to the final stand, with 15-20 cm between plants and 25 cm between rows. For hole sowing, keep 2-3 well-growing seedlings per hole; for transplanting, 12000-15000 plants per mu.
3. Intertillage and weeding
(1) Properly weeding and loosening the soil for the crop at the seedling stage can better promote the growth and development of Atractylodes lancea and avoid the loss of excess nutrients.
(2) Generally, loosen the soil for Atractylodes lancea once every two months, which helps with hilling and topdressing; after transplanting, intertillage and weed 3-4 times per year.
4. Timely watering
(1) If drought occurs, water Atractylodes lancea promptly, and the soil should also be kept moist before and after seedling emergence.
(2) After the early-spring thaw, water an appropriate amount to ensure there are enough seedlings in the field; after Atractylodes lancea matures, watering can be stopped. In addition, pay attention to preventing waterlogging in the rainy season.
5. Rational topdressing
(1) Usually, apply 2000 kg/mu of decomposed farmyard manure at the seedling stage; around June, carry out topdressing with 2500-3000 kg/mu of decomposed farmyard manure and 15 kg/mu of superphosphate.
(2) In October, dig a trench and apply barnyard manure or compost in the trench; after application, cover with soil and then water an appropriate amount.
6. Bud removal and seed saving
(1) Bud removal is very important for Atractylodes lancea and determines the quality of the herb. Buds should be removed at the bud stage, so that the nutrients of the whole plant are concentrated and supplied to the rhizome underground, thereby promoting further growth and development of the rhizome.
(2) Seed saving after bud removal is also essential. Choose fertile, loose land suitable for Atractylodes lancea growth as the seed-saving field, appropriately thin flowers and buds, and keep the whole plant robust to cultivate seedlings of good varieties for the next generation.
7. Timely harvesting
Atractylodes lancea harvested at the right time not only has good medicinal effects but also high value. The general harvest time is 3-4 years after sowing or 2-3 years after transplanting.
In spring and autumn from October to November, when the stems and leaves wither, cut off all the aboveground stems and leaves, then turn the soil and pull out the roots, remove soil and wash clean, cut off excess lateral roots and fibrous roots, and then dry thoroughly in the sun until completely dry.
II. Per-Mu Profit of Atractylodes lancea Cultivation
1. There are various cultivation methods for Atractylodes lancea, such as field cultivation, interplanting in orchards, understory cultivation, and transplanting after seed seedling raising. However, in Northeast China the plants grow short, and after transplanting they are not drought-resistant; in high-cold areas they can only be transplanted after 2 years, or greenhouse seedling raising and covering with film when autumn temperatures drop can also be used for transplanting.
2. After transplanting, the seedlings produce 1000-1500 kg/mu of fresh Atractylodes lancea in 2-3 years, and the yield of dried product reaches 500-700 kg.
3. If calculated according to the purchase price at the place of origin, the output value per mu is about 15000-18000 yuan, of which seedlings cost 1500 yuan/mu, fertilizer 250 yuan/mu, and pesticides 50 yuan/mu. After deducting costs, the net profit per mu is 7200-16200 yuan/mu.
III. Pest and Disease Control of Atractylodes lancea
1. Root rot
(1) Harm: Root rot of Atractylodes lancea mostly occurs in May-June. As the name implies, it causes the roots to rot, so they cannot normally absorb water and nutrients, and eventually the plant rots and dies.
(2) Control methods: It can be controlled by watering with 1000-times liquid of 50% Tuzet wettable powder or 1% lime water, or spraying with 800-times liquid of 50% thiophanate. If diseased plants are found, pull them out immediately to prevent contamination, and dig trenches for drainage during this period.
2. Aphids
(1) Harm: Mostly occurs in spring and summer. When aphids multiply and damage the crop, the young shoots and leaf parts suffer severe damage.
(2) Control methods: Spray for control with 1000-times liquid of 50% sumithion emulsion, or 1:1:10 tobacco-lime water, or 3000-times liquid of 50% pirimicarb wettable powder, or 3000-times liquid of 2.5% fenpropathrin emulsion.
3. Cutworms
(1) Harm: Cutworm larvae like to gnaw on young leaves, cotyledons, and young stems near the ground, causing plants to be unable to absorb nutrients and die.
(2) Control methods: Dilute 80% dichlorvos or 50% phoxim with water and drench the roots, or mix 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate with an appropriate amount of fine sandy soil and broadcast it for control.