How to Grow Scutellaria baicalensis to Increase Yield? A Detailed Guide to Practical Methods
Scutellaria baicalensis is a relatively precious medicinal herb, with a higher use value than herbs such as Angelica dahurica and licorice, and its market value is also very considerable. Coupled with strong support from national policies, more and more people are growing Scutellaria baicalensis, but the yield has never been particularly ideal. So below, Qinnong Network will give everyone a simple analysis of how to increase the yield of Scutellaria baicalensis cultivation.
1. Scientific land preparation
For growing Scutellaria baicalensis, we generally choose sandy soil with relatively sufficient sunlight, as this is conducive to the growth of its roots. Secondly, a good water diversion and irrigation system is needed, so the planting site is generally chosen in mountainous land with a certain slope. When preparing the land, we must fill in the uneven places, and there must be no pits or hollows, as these easily cause water accumulation. Secondly, when preparing the land, it must be done carefully, breaking large clods of soil into pieces the size of a little finger, then spreading a sufficient amount of livestock manure and organic rotted fertilizer, then plowing the land again, mixing the fertilizer evenly, and finally making ridges and digging furrows. The width of the ridges is generally about 1.5 to 2 m, and the furrow depth is 30 cm.
2. Timely sowing
Although Scutellaria baicalensis can be sown in spring and autumn, spring and autumn together total six months, and not every month is suitable for Scutellaria baicalensis to take root and sprout. We generally choose early May in summer and October in autumn for sowing. The temperature and climate in these two months are the most suitable for the growth of Scutellaria baicalensis. When sowing, we must first soak the seeds in warm water for half a day, then take them out and mix them with some pesticide solution for disease and pest prevention, then place them at a suitable temperature to promote sprouting. When three-quarters of the seeds have sprouted white, they can be sown. The purpose of doing this is to increase the seed germination rate.
3. Reasonable planting density
When sowing, pay attention to the distance between plants. We generally sow at a distance of 40 to 50 cm between rows and 25 to 35 cm between plants. When all the seedlings have grown, generally three seedlings are kept per plant, and excess seedlings are pulled out according to the principle of keeping the large and removing the small. Fill in the places in the field where seedlings are missing, or choose another piece of land for planting.
4. Correct Fertilization Methods
Because Scutellaria baicalensis can be produced continuously for many years, and the yield in the first few years will not be very good, generally in the first year, in addition to the base fertilizer, it needs two topdressings. The first is about seven to eight days after planting, and the second is at the time of flowering. Each time, urea, potassium fertilizer, and phosphorus fertilizer are broadcast. By the second and third years, three topdressings are needed, generally livestock manure, human excrement and urine, organic rotted fertilizer, and farmyard manure. During the flowering period, phosphorus fertilizer is generally diluted with water and sprayed. In subsequent production years, the annual fertilization method can refer to the method used in the second and third years, with the amount applied determined as appropriate.
5. Effective pest and disease control
The pests and diseases that affect the yield of Scutellaria baicalensis are generally aphids, leaf blight, and root rot. The control methods include biological control and chemical control. Biological control means that in daily management, water and temperature are regulated within the range suitable for the growth of Scutellaria baicalensis. Secondly, when planting, a layer of quicklime is spread around the plants for sterilization. Chemical control means spraying different agents according to different symptoms. For example, trichlorfon or dichlorvos can be used for aphids, Bordeaux mixture can be used for leaf blight, and carbendazim is used for root rot.