Detailed Explanation of the Latest Fertilization Methods for Atractylodes macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herbaceous plant whose main economic value comes from using its rhizome as medicine, and it generally grows in the Jiangnan region. It has high medicinal value and is a medicinal material that has long been in great demand on the market. It is cultivated artificially in large quantities, but in order to obtain a bountiful harvest and produce high-yield, high-quality rhizomes, fertilization is needed to support growth and achieve this goal. What fertilizer requirements does Atractylodes macrocephala have, how should it be applied, where should it be applied, what should be applied, and how much should be applied? With these questions in mind, read the content below to find the answers.

I. Fertilization Requirements

Atractylodes macrocephala mainly relies on its swollen roots to stabilize the plant and on its fibrous root system to absorb water, nutrients, and other organic matter. Therefore, the root system's absorption capacity is not strong, and the swollen roots need protection, so fertilizer can only be applied in small amounts multiple times. Do not apply highly concentrated fertilizer, and do not apply fertilizer with strong heat-generating properties. Composting fertilizer can reduce some of its heat and sterilize it, making it easier to absorb. The root system is not extensive, with depth within 20 cm, so fertilizer should not be broadcast over the entire field; concentrated application is beneficial for absorption.

II. Fertilization Methods

Concentrated fertilization is more conducive to absorption and utilization by the root system. A trench 10 cm deep and 10 cm wide can be opened in the middle of the planting row for band application, so that it is neither too far nor too close to the root system, causing no root damage while allowing good absorption. Alternatively, the ring trench method can be used, which means digging a ring-shaped trench around each plant's root system at a distance of 10 cm from the roots and applying fertilizer there, with the trench depth at about 10 cm or less. This method provides the most comprehensive absorption and the least waste.

III. Fertilization

1. Base fertilizer

First, select the land before planting. If the chosen site is relatively barren, then fertilization is needed to improve the soil, applied together with the base fertilizer, and the amount used should be increased somewhat. Apply about 1500 jin of farmyard manure per mu. If the land is relatively fertile, then the amount can be reduced somewhat, to about 1000 jin per mu. When deeply plowing the soil, bury it into the ground, and rotary tillage to break up the soil helps mix it together thoroughly and evenly.

2. Seedling recovery fertilizer

The first topdressing is after the seedlings are transplanted and the seedling recovery period has passed, at which point watering and fertilization should be applied together promptly. During the seedling recovery period, do not fertilize or water. This time, watering is the main focus, providing the water for the plant to stand upright and transport the products of photosynthesis. However, fertilizer should be added to promote leaf and root growth, produce more nutritional products, and accelerate growth.

3. Flowering and root-strengthening fertilizer

After flowering, the main shift is to the reproductive growth of the underground rhizome, and topdressing at this time is for the later growth of the rhizome. Flowering consumes a great deal of nutrients, so generally more phosphorus fertilizer should be applied to satisfy flower growth, and less nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to avoid excessive aboveground growth. When the rhizome enters its main growth period, more potassium fertilizer is needed to strengthen the rhizome, while nitrogen fertilizer use only needs to satisfy photosynthesis.

4. Post-harvest fertilizer

Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial plant, so after the rhizome is harvested, the plant still grows and will continue to grow roots the following year. Therefore, farmyard manure must be applied well within one week after harvest, and it can actually be counted as part of the base fertilizer for the second year. In winter, these fertilizers are also needed to maintain normal growth. Apply about 500 jin per mu.

Atractylodes macrocephala needs a good continuous supply of fertilizer to maintain good growth at all times and remain unaffected by external conditions. Therefore, attention should be paid to fertilization, with targeted application, and there should be no shortage of fertilizer, as this provides a certain guarantee for both yield and quality.