Interplanting Gastrodia elata in tree peony root bark fields: double harvest from one plot with high returns

Tree peony root bark (the root bark of the tree peony) and Gastrodia elata are both valuable Chinese medicinal materials. Interplanting Gastrodia elata in tree peony root bark fields is a new high-yield, high-efficiency cultivation model that is worth promoting among herb growers in Chinese medicinal material growing regions everywhere.

The most notable features of interplanting Gastrodia elata in tree peony root bark fields: First, it makes full use of the land; second, the two are complementary. This is because the tree peony is a small shrub with deep roots whose root bark is used medicinally; it needs deep soil rich in organic matter, and after planting it is only dug up once every 4 to 5 years. Its large leaves can create good shade conditions for Gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata, however, has no roots and does not need light, so the two will not compete for fertilizer or water. In addition, Gastrodia elata must be turned over and harvested once a year, and the filler material (leaves) used in cultivating Gastrodia elata, after rotting, provides the tree peony with ample nutrients; third, it eliminates the trouble of frequent weeding in tree peony root bark fields. In this way, after interplanting Gastrodia elata in tree peony root bark fields, the peony leaves are lush, the roots thicken quickly, and the root bark becomes thicker, increasing both yield and quality. At the same time, the arrow gastrodia (commercial gastrodia) with a single weight of more than 300 grams increases in weight by more than 40% compared with ordinary cultivation methods, and its yield and commercial value are also significantly improved. The cultivation method is introduced as follows:

I. Planting tree peonies

1. Site selection. The tree peony field for interplanting Gastrodia elata requires fertile, deep soil, and it is best if there is a slight slope.

2. Seedling selection. Large seedlings are best; after planting, large seedlings sprout quickly and the plants are robust. One year after planting, the plant leaves will cover the space between rows, providing the necessary shade conditions for cultivating Gastrodia elata. Among varieties, white tree peony is best, because white tree peony plants are taller and have longer leaves than red tree peony.

3. Planting. Flat planting gives the best results. On the prepared plot, first dig the planting pits; the length of the pits depends on the length of the seedlings, the width should preferably be 25 cm, and the pit depth should be 15 cm. Place the seedlings flat in the pits, put 2 seedlings in each pit, with a spacing of 20 cm between seedlings, then press the seedling roots firmly with moist fertilizer soil, and fill the pits level with fine soil. When filling with soil, leave 2 to 3 buds exposed to facilitate sprouting. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and cover with crop straw or leaves to preserve moisture; after the ground warms up, the covering can be removed. With this cultivation method, the survival rate is generally above 95%. At the same time, when planting, it is best to choose a north-south direction for the rows. The row spacing is generally 80 cm, and the plant spacing is 50 cm. The planting time is best from after leaf fall in autumn to early spring of the following year.

II. Interplanting Gastrodia elata

1. Interplanting time. Interplanting Gastrodia elata in tree peony root bark fields should be carried out from late autumn after the tree peony leaves fall to early spring of the following year. This is both the dormant period of the tree peony and the harvest period and best planting period for Gastrodia elata.

2. Interplanting method. For interplanting Gastrodia elata, choose tree peony root bark plots where tree peonies have been planted for more than 1 year. First prepare Armillaria mellea fungal material and Gastrodia elata seeds, and at the same time prepare enough leaves to serve as filler and cover material, then plant according to the conventional cultivation method for Gastrodia elata. When planting, first spread a layer of leaves between the rows of the tree peony field, preferably 5 cm to 10 cm thick, then place the Armillaria mellea fungal material on the leaves, arranging the fungal material in an "I" shape, and according to the length of the fungal material, place one seed every 8 cm to 10 cm, with the seed close to the fish-scale opening, then fill the gaps between the fungal material with leaves, and cover it with leaves to a thickness of 20 cm. According to the shading conditions of the tree peony leaves, cover and press with broadleaf tree branches on top, and water once so that the covering leaves fit closely together; generally only 1 layer can be planted. It should be noted that when covering with leaves, the tree peony plants must not be covered.

3. Strengthen management and protection. Once Gastrodia elata has been interplanted, the surrounding area of the interplanted plot should be protected to prevent livestock and poultry from entering and damaging it. In seasons with little rain and high temperatures, water appropriately to prevent drought and lower the temperature. After Gastrodia elata is harvested, the rotted leaves from cultivating Gastrodia elata can be piled around the base of the tree peony plants. In this way, continuous interplanting can be carried out for 3 to 4 years, until the tree peony root bark is dug up and processed.