How to Grow Kudzu Root? A Detailed Explanation of Methods and Key Technical Points
Kudzu root, also known as a legume plant, is a common vegetable in southern regions, and can be eaten raw or used in soups. In addition, it is also a traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of promoting salivation and quenching thirst, and elevating yang to stop diarrhea. It is a crop with relatively high economic value and is cultivated in various parts of our country. So how should it be grown?
1. Land selection and land preparation
To obtain high yields when growing kudzu root, the most important thing is to first select good land. Plots that have previously been used to grow sweet potatoes and soybeans can be converted for planting, or sandy loam soil with deep soil layers and good drainage can be selected. Begin land preparation in mid-to-late February in spring. During land preparation, apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer per mu, together with 100-200 kg of compound fertilizer, spread them evenly on the ground, and combine this with plowing during land preparation so they are mixed evenly with the soil, then form ridges.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
The sowing time is around Qingming Festival. First soak the seeds in warm water for 24-4/8 hours, take them out and dry them, then sow. This can increase the seed germination rate. Sowing uses the hole sowing method, with holes 3-5 cm deep, and plant and row spacing controlled at 30×40 cm, sowing 3-4 seeds per hole. After sowing, cover flat, then water thoroughly once, and keep the temperature at about 30 degrees. Seedlings can emerge in about 10 days. In addition to sowing, kudzu root can also be propagated by cuttings. Select robust vine stems, cut off the head and tail, keep the middle part of about 30 cm as cuttings, place them in a cool place mixed with wet sand for temporary planting, and the following year they can be planted in holes as cuttings. When the young shoots of the seedling stems grow tender branches, unfold 3 leaves, and reach a length of 5 cm, they can be planted out.
3. Transplanting and planting out
The transplanting time is generally chosen in early March. The temperature and climate at this time are favorable for survival after transplanting. Choose to transplant on cloudy days. When transplanting, water the seedling bed once to keep the soil moist, and lift the seedlings with soil attached. During transplanting, generally plant 500-700 plants per mu, with a plant spacing of about 1 meter. Place the seedlings on the ridges, dig holes and plant, and cover with 2-3 cm of soil. After covering with soil, press firmly. After planting out, water once with a thin rooting water-fertilizer, and pay attention to inspection, promptly filling gaps or thinning seedlings.
4. Field management
To make kudzu root grow more smoothly, cultivating and weeding are indispensable. When the kudzu vines grow to 1-2 meters, cultivating and weeding should be carried out promptly so that the root system can go deeper into the soil, absorb more nutrients, and at the same time avoid weeds competing for nutrients. Kudzu root has strong resistance to environmental stress, but during cultivation it will still suffer from pests and diseases, especially in the peak growth season, so in order to make it grow robustly, pest and disease control work should be done, and when necessary use chemicals or lime powder for control.
5. Harvesting
Kudzu root can be planted and harvested in the same year, or planted in one year and harvested the next year. Generally, harvesting in November-December gives the highest starch content. Harvesting also requires attention to method. Do not drain the pond to catch all the fish; harvest the large tubers and leave a portion of the small ones. In this way, it can be planted once and provide long-term benefits.