The Latest Field Management Techniques and Methods Tutorial for Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)

Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) originated in China, and is currently cultivated throughout the southern regions of China. It mostly grows on shady, damp hillsides below 2000 m in elevation, under forest canopies, or beside streams. Its tubers are a traditional Chinese medicinal material, with the effects of promoting salivation and quenching thirst, and moistening the lungs and relieving cough. So how should it be managed during cultivation? Let's find out together.

1. Intertillage and weeding

The dwarf lilyturf plant is short. Weeds easily sprout in the field, seizing nutrients and growing space, which affects the growth of dwarf lilyturf. Therefore, field weeding must be done well, and the field should be kept weed-free to avoid weed infestation. 10-15 days after planting, the soil must be hoed and loosened once to promote root growth. After that, weed once a month or every half month to promote early tillering and abundant rooting of the seedlings. After October, intertillage and soil loosening should be done with shallow hoeing to avoid damaging the root hairs. In winter there are fewer weeds, so weeding can be appropriately reduced or skipped. Weeding is not advisable after rain or during frosty weather, to avoid soil compaction, which affects root growth or tuber enlargement.

2. Thinning and replanting seedlings

During the seedling stage, when the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, they should be thinned in time to maintain the plant and row spacing, avoiding overly dense plants that cause field closure. Thinning can increase field air and light penetration, and can be carried out together with intertillage and weeding. When thinning, take care to remove old, weak, diseased and pest-infested seedlings, and keep strong seedlings. For some time after thinning, frequently observe the field conditions. Once dead seedlings are found, replant them in time to avoid gaps that affect yield.

3. Topdressing

Dwarf lilyturf has a long growth period and a high nutrient demand. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer before planting, timely topdressing should be done according to the plant's growth, so as to achieve high yield. Rational topdressing is the key to increasing dwarf lilyturf yield. When topdressing, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be reasonably combined. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer makes plants leggy and the soil prone to compaction; excessive phosphorus and potassium fertilizer makes leaves short and yellow, and highly prone to withering and death. Generally, topdressing is done 3-4 times a year. The first time is in July, applying 2000-2500 kg of human and animal manure water and 50 kg of cake fertilizer per mu; the second time is in August, applying 2500-3000 kg of manure water and 80 kg of cake fertilizer per mu; the third time is in November, applying 3000 kg of manure water per mu plus 50 kg each of cake fertilizer and superphosphate, to promote tuber enlargement.

4. Irrigation

Dwarf lilyturf prefers a moist environment and needs a lot of water during growth. After planting, promptly water with root-setting water to keep the soil moist and promote early new root sprouting of the seedlings. After summer begins, temperatures gradually rise and evaporation increases, so water in time to replenish moisture. In addition, water in time during drought periods to promote root growth. In the rainy season, when rainfall is heavy, promptly drain the accumulated water from the field to avoid inducing disease or causing root rot, which affects yield.

The above is an introduction to the field management techniques for dwarf lilyturf. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.