How should lotus root be managed after planting?
How should lotus root be managed after planting? Is there an introduction? Main management points for lotus root in the middle and late stages: 1. Weeding, removing leaves, and removing flowers. Before the lotus leaves close the rows, weed together with fertilizing, pull up the weeds and immediately tuck them into the mud under the lotus root heads as fertilizer. About 1 month after planting, the floating leaves gradually wither and should be removed promptly...
How should lotus root be managed after planting? Is there an introduction?
Main management points for lotus root in the middle and late stages:
1. Weeding, removing leaves, and removing flowers. Before the lotus leaves close the rows, weed together with fertilizing, pull up the weeds and immediately tuck them into the mud under the lotus root heads as fertilizer. About 1 month after planting, the floating leaves gradually wither and should be removed promptly. When there are 5-6 standing leaves, the rows close, the early lotus root begins to set root, and it is no longer suitable to go into the field to weed, so as to avoid bruising the lotus root bodies. At this time, weeding should be done on both sides of the curled leaves. Lotus root is grown for harvesting the root; flowering and setting seed consume nutrients, so if flower buds appear, the flower stalks should be bent rather than broken, to prevent rainwater from entering and causing rot.
2. Topdressing. Lotus root likes fertilizer; fertilizer is generally mainly base fertilizer, and topdressing accounts for only 30% of the whole growth period. Dense planting and early harvesting require more fertilizer. After planting the lotus root, topdress twice. The first time is when 6-7 lotus leaves have grown, applying 1000-1500 kg of human and animal manure per 667 sq m. The second time is when the lotus root begins to form, applying fertilizer to promote lotus root formation, with 1500-2000 kg of human and animal manure per 667 sq m. Fertilizing should be done in clear, windless weather, not under the scorching sun. Each fertilizing should be applied in shallow-water fields, and after the fertilizer is absorbed into the soil, irrigate back to the original depth. After topdressing, rinse the lotus leaves clean.
3. Water level regulation. Field lotus root allows free control of the water level. After planting the lotus root, keep shallow water for more than ten days until the sprouting stage to raise soil temperature and promote germination. As the standing leaves and branches grow vigorously, gradually deepen the water layer to 12-15 cm. By the root-setting period, generally about 1 month before harvest, the water level should be lowered to promote root formation.
4. Turning the lotus root heads. During the vigorous growth period of lotus root, the lotus runners grow rapidly. When the curled leaves are 1 m from the field edge, to prevent the lotus root heads from crossing the field ridge, turn the lotus root heads near the field edge back toward the field each time you weed. During peak growth, turn once every 2-3 days; if the weather is bad and growth is slow, turn once every 7-8 days, for a total of 5-6 turns. Turning should be done at noon when the stems and leaves are soft. The lotus root heads are very tender; when turning, lift the rear node together, and after turning, press them down firmly with soil.
5. Controlling diseases and pests. Lotus root generally has no serious diseases or pests. The main disease is rot disease; when mild, the leaves turn yellow, and when severe, the affected plants wither and die. Pests include aphids and cotton leafworms, which can be controlled with 50% wettable aphid-killing powder and 90% refined trichlorfon solution respectively.
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