The Latest Seedling Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points for Atractylodes macrocephala
Atractylodes macrocephala is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, mainly used to dry dampness and promote diuresis, stop sweating, and prevent miscarriage; it is a tonic medicinal. At the same time, Atractylodes macrocephala can also regulate the digestive system, enhance immunity, boost hematopoietic function, and play a role in delaying aging. It also has certain effects on lowering blood sugar and inhibiting cancer. So how should Atractylodes macrocephala be raised from seed? Let us take a closer look together below.
1. Seedbed preparation
Seedbed preparation should be carried out at least one month before sowing and raising seedlings of Atractylodes macrocephala. For seedbed site selection, generally choose an area with relatively high terrain and close to a water source, and deeply plow the soil. On the prepared seedbed, spread a layer of weeds, then ignite the weeds and burn them to ashes for disinfection. After everything has been burned, plow and level the land again, break up the clods of soil, clear out stones and other impurities from the field, and make the beds well. The bed surface should be arc-shaped, and sufficient base fertilizer should be spread on it. The base fertilizer generally uses decomposed manure and urine.
2. Seed treatment
For Atractylodes macrocephala seeds, choose excellent varieties with plump grains, freshness, luster, and no pests or diseases, then carry out seed treatment before sowing to increase the seedling emergence rate of Atractylodes macrocephala. First, soak the seeds in warm water at a temperature of about 30 degrees. After one day, scoop the seeds out, place them in a basin containing carbendazim solution for sterilization treatment. After about ten minutes, scoop them out, rinse them clean with clear water, put them into a cloth bag, and place them in an environment with a temperature of 25 degrees for germination. During germination, maintain the humidity of the cloth bag and water once a day. After about five days, sowing can be carried out.
3. Sowing and raising seedlings
Because there are certain differences in climate between the northern and southern regions of our country, the sowing time needs to be specifically determined according to different situations. Generally, in the south, sowing is carried out from the end of March to early April each year, while in the north, sowing at the end of April is preferable. There are two sowing methods, namely spot sowing and drilling. For spot sowing, a layer of manure and urine needs to be spread on the seedbed, then seeds are evenly scattered, a layer of cake fertilizer or plant ash is covered, and finally a layer of rice straw is covered. For drilling, furrows need to be opened with a row spacing of 15 cm and a furrow depth of 4 to 5 cm. A layer of organic fertilizer is scattered in the furrows, a layer of fine soil is covered, then seeds are scattered, and finally cake fertilizer is covered and rice straw is mulched.
4. Seedling stage management
Atractylodes macrocephala generally emerges about 10 to 15 days after sowing. After emergence, promptly uncover the covering rice straw so as not to damage the young seedlings. Next, after the seedlings emerge, promptly carry out hoeing, loosening the soil, and thinning. Thinning is generally carried out when Atractylodes macrocephala seedlings are about 3 cm tall, and when the seedlings grow to 4 to 5 cm, shallow hoeing can be carried out. When the seedlings grow to about 8 to 10 cm, final thinning should be carried out, with a spacing of about 4 cm between each plant. When Atractylodes macrocephala grows 4 to 5 true leaves, topdressing is needed, and it should be combined with intertillage. Topdressing is mainly based on manure and urine water. During the seedling raising period, topdressing should be carried out at least 2 to 3 times to support the growth of Atractylodes macrocephala seedlings. Finally, watering should be done reasonably. Generally, in dry seasons, water once every 5 to 10 days, while at ordinary times, water once every half month. At the same time, remember to drain water in time to avoid root rot.
The above is what the editor wants to share with you today about the seedling raising methods of Atractylodes macrocephala. I hope it can help all friends who grow Atractylodes macrocephala. Of course, if later you encounter any difficult problems when growing Atractylodes macrocephala, you can leave a message to the editor for consultation.