Detailed Explanation of White Lotus Root Planting Techniques and Management Methods
White lotus root belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family as a perennial herbaceous aquatic plant with a persistent root system. It has a long cultivation history in China and is widely distributed, being a traditional export vegetable. The lotus root is very nutritious, can be eaten both raw and cooked, and can also be made into candied fruit and lotus root starch. The lotus seed is a raw material for high-grade foods, the lotus leaf can be used as packaging material, and the lotus stem, lotus node and other parts can all be used as medicine. It is an aquatic vegetable with relatively high economic value. So what are the planting techniques for white lotus root?
1. Variety selection
Choose high-yield varieties with shallow mud penetration, thick and sturdy leaf stems, wind resistance, a high marketable rate, and good quality, such as medium-early maturing high-yield varieties like white lotus root, Elian No. 4, and Elian No. 5.
2. Land preparation and fertilization
Lotus root is unsuitable for continuous cropping. For cultivation, choose clay loam fields with deep and fertile soil, rich in organic matter, strong water retention capacity, convenient irrigation and drainage, and good sunlight. During land preparation, apply sufficient base fertilizer, generally 5000-6000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, and plow and harrow thoroughly until the mud is soft, the field is level, the ridges are high, and the fertilizer is sufficient. At the same time, spread 50-80 kg of quicklime to disinfect the soil.
3. Planting
White lotus root extends through the soil, and loose soil is beneficial for growth. Lotus root fields need deep plowing and ridging, and before planting the lotus root, plow and harrow again to level the field. When planting lotus root in lakes, the water level is relatively deep and cultivation is difficult, so land preparation is generally not carried out. For newly opened lotus ponds, deep plowing can be done in the previous year's summer when the water level is relatively shallow, and in the second spring, mud mounds can be made according to the planting spacing for planting. Field lotus root is not suitable for continuous cropping, while pond lotus root is mostly continuously cropped. White lotus root has a high fertilizer requirement, so sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, with fertilizer added successively in combination with land preparation.
4. Water level and temperature regulation
When planting white lotus root, the water level should be adjusted according to the growing season. Generally, at the early stage of planting, maintain shallow water of 3-6 cm to raise the soil temperature and promote sprouting. If the water level of pond lotus root can be controlled, the principle of irrigation and drainage from shallow to deep and then from deep to shallow should also be followed. In particular, attention should be paid to preventing a sudden rise in water level that submerges the standing leaves and causes reduced yield.
5. Weeding
The timing and frequency of weeding depend on the growth of the white lotus root and the amount of weeds. Generally, weeding of the lotus root field should begin once floating leaves appear. When weeding, the soil between the rows can be stirred, and the weeds can be buried in the soil. Weeding in lotus root fields is generally carried out 2-3 times, until the lotus leaves cover the water surface.
6. Pest and disease control
The main disease of white lotus root is rot disease, caused by Fusarium in the soil. In severe cases, the plants wither and there is no harvest. Control of lotus root rot disease is extremely difficult. The main control measures are avoiding continuous cropping, appropriately reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, and disinfecting with lime before planting.