Detailed Introduction to the Latest Planting Methods for Ephedra
Ephedra is a traditional medicinal herb used to treat asthma, colds, wind-cold, low blood pressure, and to induce sweating and dispel cold, except that the state now exercises very strict control and regulation over the cultivation of Ephedra, because it is also a raw material for making drugs, just like datura. So in order to prevent adverse consequences, supervision must be strengthened, but if you follow normal legal procedures, it can still be cultivated. So how should Ephedra be planted? Let's learn about it together.
1. Variety Selection
There are many varieties of Ephedra, about a dozen or so, but the most widely planted is Ephedra intermedia, whose yield and quality are both very good. Many pharmaceutical factories and producers prefer to purchase Ephedra intermedia, so planting Ephedra intermedia is guaranteed in terms of both price and sales channels. Next, Ephedra equisetina and Ephedra sinica are also decent choices. Of course, you can make your choice according to the region you are in, to see whether you choose one with good drought resistance, good disease resistance, or good cold resistance.
2. Land Preparation and Fertilization
Ephedra is generally planted on deep plots with a relatively intact soil structure, with very strong permeability and a complete drainage system. It is best to choose an area close to a water source, so that irrigation and drainage are convenient, and the land should preferably not be clay soil, as its permeability is poor and it is not suitable for Ephedra growth. When preparing the land, the soil needs to be broken up finely, and if possible, the land should be deep-plowed as much as possible. Finally, when preparing the land, apply sufficient base fertilizer. On average, one mu of land needs about 4,000 to 5,000 jin of farmyard manure, mixed with about 40 jin of nitrogen fertilizer and about 40 jin of potassium fertilizer, and spread it evenly in the field.
3. Sowing and Raising Seedlings
Ephedra seeds are very expensive, so you must be careful when sowing, otherwise if sprouting fails, the loss will be severe. Therefore, before sowing, we carry out the corresponding seed treatment. First, we put the Ephedra into warm water at about 30 degrees and soak it for three to four hours, then take it out and put it into a seedling-strengthening solution to soak for about two hours. In order to enhance the resistance of the Ephedra, we can at this time stir the seeds together with some chemicals, then mix them with a layer of sand, and place them at a suitable temperature for germination. After about three days, most of the seeds will have already sprouted white shoots, and at this point they can be sown. When sowing, we can use the hole-sowing or drill-sowing method, with a distance of about 25 cm between each plant and about 30 cm between each row. Spread the seeds evenly on the prepared ground, then cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Field Management
The first step in field management is to check whether thinning and replanting are needed. In places where more seeds have sprouted in the field, we can keep only three to four plants and pull out the rest, then transplant the seedlings to the sparser areas. When the Ephedra seedlings grow to five or six cm, the first intertillage and weeding can be carried out. Because there will be more weeds during the growth of Ephedra, in order not to affect the yield, we must weed in a timely manner. Then apply 1,000 jin of farmyard manure, 500 jin of urea, and 50 jin of phosphate fertilizer as a top dressing, then earth up the soil, and then irrigate. In seasons with relatively heavy rainfall, we need to promptly go to the field to clear the ditches and drain the rainwater away. The second fertilization is when the Ephedra blooms. At this time, it is to promote the flowering period, and also to make it bear more fruit, so that when the time comes to collect seeds, there will be a few more. Finally, to promote fruit growth, generally 500 jin of phosphate fertilizer, 50 jin of potassium fertilizer, and 40 jin of boron fertilizer are used.
5. Disease Control
The common diseases and insect pests of Ephedra are damping-off and seedling blight. For damping-off, chlorothalonil is generally used for spraying, once every six to ten days, and after two or three times it will basically recover. As for seedling blight, if we carried out seed treatment when sowing, it will basically not occur, but just in case, we should also carefully observe the growth changes of the plants, and then spray Bavistin for prevention and control. Ephedra sometimes also suffers from some insect pests, such as aphids and geometer moths. Generally, dimethoate emulsion can be used for spraying, and if it is relatively serious, then multiple sprayings are needed to alleviate the condition.
6. Timely Harvesting
The best growth period of Ephedra can be said to be around June, so our harvesting time is generally carried out in September. Since Ephedra can grow for many years, the harvesting method is to cut off the stems above the ground with a sickle, then clean the mud and sand off the stems, cut them into small sections and dry them in the sun, and finally package them for handling.