Taro Cultivation Technology Tutorial: Detailed Explanation of the Latest Planting Methods
Taro is different from konjac; its shape is oval. The skin is likewise rough, and it gets its name because the inside has betel-nut-like patterns. It has high nutritional value, is a health food, and can also be processed into taro flour for sale. That is why many people now cultivate it. There are also certain differences between the cultivation technology and the planting methods for growing taro. Generally, cultivation must take into account management and pest and disease control, as well as site selection and planting precautions. So next, the cultivation aspects will be explained in detail.
1. Site Selection and Planting
Soil directly affects the growth of taro, so it is best to choose soil with high organic matter content, good drainage and aeration, and good fertilizer and water retention, along with a sunny plot on higher ground. Growing taro is mainly for harvesting the underground stems, so it should be planted in deep, moist, water-retentive soil. Rotation between flooded and dry conditions can reduce pests and diseases. Pay special attention to cutting the leaves once every two weeks to remove diseased leaves and the like.
2. Controlling Fertilizer and Water
Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and it is best to use a combination of multiple fertilizers. Afterward, apply fertilizer in three stages: early, middle, and late. Topdressing is very important. Basically, the base fertilizer should be about 1200 jin of cow manure plus straw composted fertilizer per mu, combined with 300 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. In addition, potassium fertilizer needs to be added; generally, potassium fertilizer is the nutrient the underground part needs most. Taro has a fairly large overall fertilizer requirement, and it needs the most fertilizer during the bulking stage. Taro likes moisture and fears drought. To prevent drought, start furrow irrigation after May, with the water layer not exceeding the ridge surface. A shallow water layer is fine. Before the rainy season, drain the water away.
3. Hilling, Intertillage, and Weeding
In spring, many weed seeds germinate, so weeds need to be pulled at any time. In summer, when the soil becomes compacted after rain, intertill twice, with each intertillage about 15 cm deep, without damaging the roots and stems. After each intertillage, hill soil around the base of each stem to protect the roots and stems, increase temperature, and accelerate growth. The hilling should be about 3 to 5 cm thick, and after hilling, the side buds should be removed. Avoid sprouting that consumes nutrients.
4. Pest and Disease Control
When taro is infected with taro blight, brown spots appear and gradually expand into round lesions with concentric rings, followed by white mold. It mainly harms the leaves and corms. Spray with 70% phosethyl-Al · mancozeb wettable powder at 500 times dilution or 64% oxadixyl at 500 times dilution. Once a week, for 3 consecutive times. The main pest is the red spider mite. Generally, use 15% pyridaben emulsifiable concentrate at 2000 times dilution or 1.8% abamectin emulsifiable concentrate at 6000-8000 times dilution for spraying.
The above is the high-yield technology for taro cultivation. Doing these tasks well can make taro grow well; the main point is to adjust and promote growth through these measures. For more content, you can follow the website, and for more agricultural content, you can follow the updates