Isatis root planting method: apply base fertilizer before sowing, and prevent pests and diseases later
SummarySoil: choose land with deep, fertile and loose soil. Sowing: spring sowing and summer sowing are both options; before sowing, soak the seeds in 40° warm water for 4 hours. Seed reservation and collection: harvest the seeds promptly when they mature, then sun-dry, thresh and store them in a dry place. Daily management: weed regularly, and topdress and water in time. Pest and disease control: prevent downy mildew, cabbage caterpillars, aphids, etc., drain promptly to prevent summer waterlogging, and use phoxim twice during the growing period for root irrigation, which can prevent root rot.
What is Isatis root
Isatis root, also called woad or indigo, is a herbaceous plant of the cruciferous family and a traditional precious medicinal herb. Both its roots and leaves can be used as medicine; when the root is used as medicine it is called Isatis root, and when the leaf is used as medicine it is called Isatis leaf. Its roots and leaves are bitter in taste and cold in nature, and have the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, and cooling the blood and reducing spots. They like to grow in mild, humid climates and have low requirements for soil; at present they are widely distributed across our country.
Isatis root planting techniques
1. Land selection
Isatis root is a deep-rooted plant, so it is best to plant it in land with deep, loose and fertile soil; before sowing, apply 3000-4000 kg of barnyard manure, 15 kg of diammonium and 4 kg of biological potassium fertilizer per mu, spread them evenly into the soil, and carry out deep plowing, preferably to a depth of more than 30cm, to facilitate root growth.
2. Sowing
Spring sowing and summer sowing are both options; generally spring sowing is in early April and summer sowing is in late May. Before sowing, soak the seeds in 40° warm water for 4 hours, mix them well with plant ash, then open a shallow furrow about 1.5cm deep on the seedbed at a row spacing of 20cm, spread the seeds evenly into the furrow, cover them with 1cm of soil, tread slightly firm and water thoroughly; seedlings generally emerge in about 7-10 days.
3. Seed reservation and collection
Generally, annual Isatis root does not bloom or bear fruit, and spring-sown plants can have their roots harvested the same year. When digging up the roots, select roots that are free of pests and diseases, thick and robust, and not forked, to keep for seed; transplant them at a row spacing of 40×30cm into fertile seed-reservation land for cultivation. Water promptly after planting, strengthen daily management, carry out earthing up, fertilization and cold protection in winter, and water, loosen the soil and weed promptly after the seedlings turn green again in April of the following year. When the seeds mature, harvest them promptly, then sun-dry and thresh them, and store them in a dry place.
4. Daily management
After sowing, keep the soil moist and weed regularly; when the seedlings are 7-8cm high, thin them to a final spacing of 6-10cm between plants and remove weak seedlings; topdress and water promptly to promote thick and large root growth of Isatis root and a high root yield.
5. Pest and disease control
Isatis root is prone to downy mildew, cabbage caterpillars, aphids and other diseases and pests. During cultivation, drain promptly to prevent summer waterlogging and ensure the field is well ventilated and lets light through; during the growing period, use phoxim twice for root irrigation, which can prevent root rot.