Cultivation Methods and Key Technical Points for Shallow-Water Lotus Root

Shallow-water lotus root, both rhizome and leaves are short and small, suitable for cultivation in shallow water with a depth of 15cm. Growing shallow-water lotus root is not limited by terrain and also saves land. Let's take a look together at the techniques for growing shallow-water lotus root.

Techniques for growing shallow-water lotus root

1. Select excellent seed lotus root.

For shallow-water lotus root, excellent varieties suitable for shallow-water cultivation should be selected as seed lotus root, such as Hainan Zhou and Wulian No. 2. The seed lotus root should preferably be a whole lotus root with more than 3—4 nodes and complete secondary and tertiary rhizomes. The seed lotus root is required to be thick and strong, with vigorous buds, free of pests and diseases, and free of damage.

2. Choose fertile clay loam fields.

The product organ of lotus root is formed in the underground soil. Therefore, the lotus root field for planting shallow-water lotus root is most suitable if it is clay loam that can retain water, is rich in organic matter, and has a deep and fertile silt layer.

3. Reasonable close planting.

The planting density of lotus root is most closely related to maturity period and yield, and appropriate close planting has the effect of early maturity and increased yield. Generally, the density for early-maturing varieties is: row spacing 2—2.5 m, hole spacing about 1 m.

4. Place equal emphasis on base fertilizer and topdressing.

Lotus root has a long growth period and requires much fertilizer. The general principle of fertilizing shallow-water lotus root is to place equal emphasis on base fertilizer and topdressing. Generally, 1500—2500 kg of livestock manure or barnyard manure is applied per mu as base fertilizer. For early-maturing lotus root, generally 1500—2000 kg of night soil or urine fertilizer is applied per mu as topdressing. Topdressing is applied in three applications, with the focus on the early stage of rhizome formation.

5. Scientifically regulate the water level.

The general principle of water layer management for shallow-water lotus root is shallow at the front, deep in the middle, and shallow at the back. During the germination and growth period, the water layer should be shallow, preferably 4—7 cm. During the vigorous growth period of stems and leaves, the water layer should be deeper, preferably 12—15 cm. During the rhizome formation period, the water layer should be shallow, preferably 4—7 cm.

6. Frequently turn the lotus root tips and weed in time.

During the vigorous growth period of lotus root stems and leaves, the lotus rhizome runners grow rapidly. When the rolled leaves are about 1 m from the field edge, in order to prevent the lotus root tips from crossing the field ridge, turn the lotus root tips near the field ridge back into the field every 2—3 days. The lotus root tips are very tender, so the soil should be turned together with the lotus root tips to prevent breaking the lotus rhizome runners, and after turning, press the soil back firmly. It is best to turn the lotus root tips at noon. In the early growth stage of shallow-water lotus root, there are many weeds, which greatly affect the growth of lotus root, so weeds should be removed in time, preferably by combining manual weeding and chemical weeding.

7. Harvest at the right time.

After the terminal leaf of lotus root appears, when the underside of the terminal leaf is slightly red and the edge of the basal standing leaf begins to turn yellow, the lotus root is fully mature. At this time, the lotus root can be dug and sold on the market.