Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points for Chicory 'General' Forage

The chicory 'General' forage is suitable for planting on sandy loam soil where no aster family crops or vegetables have been grown within two years. Generally, after selecting and treating the seeds, three sowing methods can be used: broadcasting, drilling, and seedling transplanting. Once the plants grow 4 to 5 true leaves, they can be transplanted into the field. After successful transplanting, thin and fill in the seedlings in time, apply some quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer as needed, keep the soil moist, and carry out intertillage and loosening of the soil so they can grow quickly.

Introduction to the key points of cultivation methods for chicory 'General' forage:

1. Sowing time: Chicory 'General' forage is generally sown from early March to late April or from mid-September to early October, and can be sown normally at temperatures above 15 degrees. If sowing year-round, cover with plastic film when the temperature is low, and cover with a shade net when the temperature is high.

2. Sowing rate: about 2 kg per mu for broadcasting, about 1.5 kg for drilling, and the sowing depth should not exceed 1 cm.

3. Sowing methods: there are three methods, namely drilling, broadcasting, and seedling transplanting, with seedling transplanting and drilling being most commonly used. Broadcasting means mixing the seeds evenly with fine river sand or crushed moist soil and scattering them; drilling means sowing at a row spacing of 20 cm and a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm, then rolling after sowing; seedling transplanting means preparing a plot of about 8 sq m, then sowing into soil at a depth of 1 cm, and after 4 to 5 leaves grow, transplanting into the field at a plant spacing of 10 to 15 cm.

4. Field management: growth is slow at the seedling stage, so weed damage must be prevented. Once chicory 'General' forage has grown, there is generally no weed damage. In addition, it has high water and fertilizer requirements. One month after emergence and after each mowing and use, water and apply quick-acting fertilizer in time to ensure rapid regrowth. Generally, when the plants reach 45 cm in height, they can be mowed, leaving a stubble of about 5 cm; it should not be too high or too low. Generally, it can be mowed once every 30 days.

The above is the relevant introduction to the cultivation methods for chicory 'General' forage. I hope it is helpful to everyone.