What are the key points for site selection and drainage when planting Sophora flavescens?

Sophora flavescens, also known as Kushen, Niushen, or Chuanshen, is the dried root of the leguminous plant Sophora flavescens. It has the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, killing parasites, and promoting urination, and treats heat-toxin bloody dysentery, intestinal wind with bloody stool, jaundice with urinary retention, red and white vaginal discharge, swollen and itchy genitals, pediatric pneumonia, malnutrition, acute tonsillitis, skin itching, scabies and leprosy, genital sores with damp itching, scrofula, burns, and more. For external use, it can treat trichomonal vaginitis. It is distributed and cultivated throughout the country.

Sophora flavescens grows wild in sunny spots on hillside grasslands, plains, hills, roadsides, sandy land, and red soil land. It prefers a warm climate. It is not demanding about soil and can be cultivated in general soil; however, loam or sandy loam with deep, fertile soil and convenient drainage and irrigation is best.

Site selection, land preparation, and fertilization: Sophora flavescens is a deep-rooted plant, so it is advisable to choose clay loam, sandy loam, or clay loam with deep, fertile soil, convenient drainage and irrigation, and a sunny aspect for cultivation. Apply fully decomposed compost or barnyard manure per mu, crush it finely and spread it evenly, plow deeply, harrow level, and make fine soil, then make beds.

Sophora flavescens is propagated by seed and sown in spring. Open shallow furrows at a row spacing of 35-45 cm, sow the seeds evenly, cover with 1-2 cm of soil, water, and keep the soil moist; seedlings emerge in 15-20 days. When the seedlings are ten cm tall, thin them so they are not crowded. Sophora flavescens seeds are relatively hard, so before sowing you can rub a little of the outer coat with coarse sandpaper, which helps with water absorption and germination; after this treatment, sow them.

Field management: irrigate promptly during drought and after fertilization to keep the soil moist. In the rainy season, pay attention to drainage to prevent root rot from waterlogging. Carry out intertillage and weeding; during the seedling stage, carry out intertillage, weeding, and earthing up to keep the field free of weeds and the soil loose and moist, so as to favor the growth of Sophora flavescens.

Harvest in autumn, dig out the whole plant, and dry it in the sun.