Huai Achyranthes Planting Methods and Key Field Management Techniques

Overview

Huai Achyranthes (Achyranthes bidentata) is propagated by seed. In Hebei, it is planted in early June after the wheat harvest; in Inner Mongolia, it is planted in May; and in Henan, it is planted in mid-July. It is harvested in November of the same year (harvesting during the period from Minor Snow to Winter Solstice is preferable). Except for Inner Mongolia, the growing period in the other two regions is about 140-150 days. Huai Achyranthes requires minimal management, and the yield generally reaches 300-350 kg per mu. The roots of Huai Achyranthes are relatively long, making harvesting quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. About 1 kg of seed is needed per mu. Cultivation and Management

(1) Site Selection and Land Preparation: Achyranthes has strong adaptability and can be grown in ordinary soil, but saline-alkali land, heavy clay land, waterlogged lowland and plots with thin soil layers must not be selected. The most suitable is sandy loam with deep soil layers, sunny and dry conditions, and loose, fertile soil (deep plowing, land preparation and bed making are all carried out according to the requirements for growing Platycodon grandiflorus). Where conditions permit, autumn fertilization is best. After the previous crop is harvested, apply 4000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure, 8-10 kg of monoammonium phosphate, 50-60 kg of long-acting ammonium bicarbonate, and 5-7 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. Before deep plowing, spread them evenly over the field surface, then deep plow 30-40 cm, level and harrow finely, and wait until the following spring for sowing.

(2) Seed Treatment: 7-10 days before sowing, winnow the seeds and sun-dry them for 2-3 days, then carry out a germination test; a germination rate above 80% is preferable. The sowing rate is only 2-2.5 kg per mu. One day before sowing, soak the seeds in 20°C warm water for 12 hours, remove and air-dry them, then mix them with fine sandy soil or plant ash at a ratio of 1:30 before sowing.

(3) Sowing at the Right Time: The suitable sowing period is key to Achyranthes cultivation and production. If sown too early, the above-ground parts do not grow into roots, the roots tend to fork and become lignified, and the plant tends to bloom early, consuming nutrients and affecting yield and quality. If sown too late, the growth period is shortened, development is poor, and yield decreases. In the Chifeng Niuyingzi area, sowing from late May to mid-June is suitable. Some also grow it as a second-crop field planting, but it should not be later than the end of June at the latest.

(4) Sowing Methods: 1. Drilling. Row spacing 15-20 cm, furrow depth 2-3 cm, covering soil about 1.5 cm thick, and after sowing press lightly with the foot. At the same time, for fields without autumn fertilization, apply 8-10 kg of monoammonium phosphate and 5-7 kg of potassium sulfate per mu, placing them in layers with the seeds; first apply fertilizer and cover with a layer of soil, then sow. 2. Intercropping. To improve land utilization, from late May to early June it can be planted between wheat rows, and it can be harvested the same year. 3. Resowing. When medicinal fields of Codonopsis pilosula, Platycodon grandiflorus and the like are not fully planted, Achyranthes can be resown to increase income for the year.

Field Management

Weeding and Topdressing

Cultivate, weed and topdress 3-4 times a year; water during drought; when the plant height reaches 50 cm, remove the flower buds. Thin the seedlings when they are 7 cm tall, thinning once; when the seedlings are 17-20 cm tall, thin to a final spacing of 13 cm between plants. Cultivate and weed 2-3 times before and after final thinning. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be topdressed in July-August, and one month before harvest, spray superphosphate for foliar topdressing. When the plants bolt in late August, remove the inflorescences promptly to avoid nutrient consumption from flowering and to promote thick, strong root growth, but be careful not to damage the stems and leaves. After emergence, keep the field consistently moist. In rainy seasons, pay attention to drainage to prevent root rot. One irrigation can be given before harvest to make it easier to dig out the roots.

Pest and Disease Control

For rust disease and leaf spot disease, spray Bordeaux mixture at 1:1:120 or 50% wettable thiophanate-methyl at 1000 times dilution for control. For root rot, pay attention to drainage and choose high, dry plots for planting, and avoid continuous cropping. Use 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 1000 times dilution or 2.5 kg of lime mixed with 50 kg of water to drench the planting holes. Leaf spot disease and nematode disease also cause damage. Among insect pests, the silver-marked moth can be caught and killed or sprayed with 90% trichlorfon at 800 times dilution for control. Cotton red spider mite can be controlled with 40% isocarbophos at 1500 times dilution. Inchworms and leaf beetles also cause damage.