The Latest Tutorial on Field Management Techniques and Methods for Atractylodes macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala is one of the major cultivated medicinal herbs. In recent years, as more and more people grow it, its cultivation benefits have become better and better, and it is also a relatively good project in medicinal herb cultivation. However, to achieve high yield and increase returns from Atractylodes macrocephala, field management is indispensable. Follow the editor and take a look at the field management techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala.

1. Intertillage and weeding

Throughout the entire growth period of Atractylodes macrocephala, intertillage and weeding should be carried out 3-4 times. When the seedlings grow to 3-5 cm, carry out the first intertillage and weeding. The first time should be shallow cultivation and loosening of the soil to avoid damaging the root system, but weeding should be deep, which can promote root extension. After that, weeding should be done by shallow hoeing to avoid damaging the roots. When the plants enter the vigorous growth stage, intertillage is not necessary, but once weeds are found, they should be pulled out by hand in time. After rain, loosen the soil in time to improve soil permeability and facilitate plant growth. It should be noted that when the dew has not dried after rain, it is not suitable to weed, otherwise it will cause the plants to contract leaf blight.

2. Topdressing

Topdressing also needs to be carried out 3-4 times and can be done together with intertillage and weeding. The first topdressing is when the seedlings are uniform, applying 1500 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu to promote seedling growth; the second is in May, when the plants are in the vegetative growth period, applying 2000 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu or about 10 kg of ammonium sulfate; the third is at the bud-removal stage, when the underground rhizomes begin to expand and have a strong capacity for absorbing fertilizer, applying 2000 kg of decomposed human manure and urine, 100 kg of decomposed cake fertilizer, and 50 kg of phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer per mu.

3. Irrigation and watering

Atractylodes macrocephala is afraid of waterlogging. If the field humidity is relatively high, it is prone to disease, so when watering, be sure to pay attention: do not water too much at one time, and the method of watering little but often can be adopted. After the rainy season, take timely measures for drainage and waterlogging prevention, and clear the furrow ditches. In the early and middle growth stages, Atractylodes macrocephala does not have a high demand for water. But in the late growth stage, when the rhizomes begin to expand, its water demand rises sharply, so preparations for watering should be made to ensure an adequate water supply, promote tuber expansion, and increase yield.

4. Bud removal and tiller removal

When Atractylodes macrocephala buds in May-June, in order to promote rhizome growth and improve quality, except for plants used for seed retention, all other plants should have their flower buds completely removed before budding and flowering. The timing of bud removal is also extremely important and should not be too early or too late. If too early, the plants are tender and it affects plant growth; if too late, too many nutrients are consumed. The most suitable time is when the small flowers have spread open and the scales wrapped around the outside of the flower buds are slightly yellow. When removing buds, hold the stem with one hand and remove the bud with the other, and keep the small leaves. After bud removal, fertilize in time to maintain nutrients. It is best to choose a sunny day for bud removal, avoiding morning and rainy days when dew and rainwater may soak into the wounds and cause disease and rot. Similarly, in August-September, tiller seedlings will grow on the rhizomes of the plants and should be removed in time to avoid consuming too many nutrients and affecting yield.

The above are the field management techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala. We hope they can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.