How to manage ice plant? A detailed explanation of the latest field management key points
The ice plant is a relatively popular specialty vegetable in China recently. It originated in Africa and was then introduced to China for cultivation. The appearance of the ice plant has great characteristics. Its flowers and leaves are rather peculiar, but the colors are bright, and small blisters bulge on the surface of the stems and leaves, similar to ice crystals. It also has rich nutritional value, and there is now some cultivation of it in China. So how should ice plant cultivation be managed? Let's take a look together below!
1. Soil management
Suitable cultivation methods for ice plant include open field and protected facilities, and basically all cultivation methods can be used to grow ice plant. During growth, ice plant absorbs heavy metals very strongly, so soil contamination should be avoided, and the soil should be regularly prepared and disinfected. If it is contaminated by heavy metals, then the soil should be replaced in time. Because ice plant grows better in soil with good drainage, we should also cultivate regularly to improve soil permeability. If the drainage and irrigation capacity is too weak and causes water accumulation in the soil, then the impact on the growth of ice plant is very great.
2. Water and fertilizer management
After the ice plant seedlings are established, the amount of watering should be appropriately reduced, and usually no watering is needed within 10 days after transplanting. Also, after planting ice plant, water only when the leaves are found to be wilting. Water thoroughly each time, but do not water too much. Promoting the formation of ice crystals on the leaves can effectively improve the value of ice plant. If too much water is applied, then fewer ice crystals will form, and the nutrition and taste will also decline. Then, before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, and topdressing should be done well according to the growth of the ice plant. Topdressing should mainly be done frequently and in small amounts.
3. Light control
Light is very important for the growth of ice plant. Ice plant likes light and prefers to grow in places with sufficient light. During the growth of ice plant, while ensuring temperature, the ice plant should be allowed to receive as much light as possible. This will greatly help its yield and quality. In addition to light, we must also control temperature well. Ice plant can survive in an environment of -5-30 degrees. However, the optimal temperature for growth should be no lower than 5 degrees and no higher than 30 degrees. If it is lower than 5 degrees, although it will continue to grow, it will also show wilting. When the temperature is high in summer, then appropriate shading should be used for cooling. If it is cultivated in protected facilities, then ventilation should be carried out in time.
4. Pest and disease control
The disease resistance of ice plant is relatively strong, so diseases occur relatively rarely. It is mainly threatened by pests, such as aphids, scarab beetles, and so on. To achieve the goal of high-yield and high-quality cultivation, then first of all, prevention should be the main approach. Reduce the use of pesticides and lower field clutter. Then set up insect-proof nets, insect traps, and so on around it for control. However, it should also be noted that during planting, attention must be paid to doing a good job of ventilation, cooling, and humidity reduction to avoid new fungal and bacterial diseases caused by excessively high temperature and humidity.
The above is a brief introduction to the key points of field management for ice plant. The field management work of ice plant is very important, especially the basic work such as temperature, water, and fertilizer. It should not be managed too extensively, otherwise it is easy to reduce yield. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!