How to Grow Atractylodes macrocephala for High Yield? Latest Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Atractylodes macrocephala is a fairly well-known herbaceous plant. After being sun-dried into dry rhizomes, it can be used as medicine. As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, it has the effects of tonifying the spleen and strengthening the stomach, as well as drying dampness and promoting diuresis. It is widely cultivated in many provinces in China. The returns from growing Atractylodes macrocephala are very high, and the yield is also considerable. So how should Atractylodes macrocephala be grown? Below, Shuaishuai will introduce the high-yield cultivation techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala!

1. Land preparation and fertilization

The land for planting Atractylodes macrocephala should be selected as slightly acidic sandy loam with some fertility, good drainage, and ventilation. The previous crop on this land should preferably be a grass-family crop, and calcium superphosphate can be applied as a base fertilizer.

2. Propagation methods

The propagation method of Atractylodes macrocephala is mainly seed propagation, but in production, seedling raising and transplanting are mainly used for propagation.

1. Raising seedlings

For raising seedlings, choose late March to early April. When selecting seeds, choose healthy seeds with plump grains. First soak the seeds in water, then take them out, and then sow them. Scatter the seeds into the furrows, then cover with soil and water them.

2. Transplanting

Transplanting can be carried out in winter or spring. When transplanting, cut off the fibrous roots and plant the seedlings into the furrows at a spacing of 15 cm, with the bud tips facing upward. After planting, water them. Remember to keep them level with the ground when planting.

3. Field management

1. Intertillage and weeding

Weeding should be carried out as soon as the seedlings emerge. At this time, there are the most weeds in the field, and weeding should be done frequently, increasing the number of times weeding is done.

2. Fertilization

Fertilize once before and after the buds unfold. Use urea and compound fertilizer. After applying and covering with soil, water them. After removing the buds, topdress once more.

3. Irrigation and bud removal

Atractylodes macrocephala has a very high water requirement during the growth period, and in case of drought, irrigation should be carried out promptly. If water accumulates, drainage should also be carried out promptly. In mid-July, the buds should be removed. Removing the buds can increase the yield of Atractylodes macrocephala.

4. Mulching with grass

Because the summer weather is very hot and the ultraviolet rays are also strong, we can cover it with a layer of leaves in July to help it pass through the summer safely.

4. Pest and disease control

1. Damping-off

This disease mainly has a high incidence rate in low-temperature and high-humidity environments. It can be improved by reducing field humidity. In the early stage of the disease, 50 percent carbendazim can be sprayed for treatment.

2. Iron leaf disease

This disease is also called leaf blight. It mainly damages the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wither. Diseased plants can be removed. In the early stage of the disease, Bordeaux mixture can be sprayed, and in the later stage, Topsin solution can be sprayed.

3. Southern blight

This disease is a rot disease, also caused by excessive humidity. It mainly damages the roots and can be treated by spraying carbendazim.

4. Other diseases

In addition to the above several, there are also root rot, rust, and so on. It is only necessary to buy the corresponding medicines for spraying and do a good job in daily field management.

The above are the high-yield cultivation techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala. Have you all learned them? In fact, pests and diseases are the most troublesome, and the cost of pest control is also an expense, so usually you must do a good job in field management and care, take preventive measures, and when buying seedlings, choose good ones and pick robust ones. Only in this way can the invasion of pests and diseases be reduced. I hope this can help everyone. If you want to learn more about the cultivation of Atractylodes macrocephala, please continue to follow Qinnong Network!