How to grow fox nuts (Euryale ferox) for high yields? Detailed explanation of planting methods and key technical points
Fox nut (Euryale ferox) is a large aquatic herbaceous plant belonging to the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae). It is cultivated throughout both northern and southern parts of our country, in swamps, ponds, lakes and marshes, seedling fields and other places, and the most important thing is to be close to a water source. It is highly effective for both andrological and gynecological diseases, with effects such as tonifying the kidney and securing essence, and removing dampness and stopping vaginal discharge. So how should fox nut be planted for better results? Let's take a look together below.
1. Seed soaking and sprouting
Before planting, we need to treat the fox nut seeds. Usually we soak the seeds from early April to mid-to-late April each year. Rinse the fox nut seeds clean with clear water, then put them in a basin filled with water to soak. The water depth in the basin only needs to cover the seeds. Soak for at least one week to about ten days, and during the soaking process change the water at least three to four times. The water temperature should be at least around 15 to 25 degrees, as this can speed up the sprouting rate of the fox nut seeds.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
On the third day after soaking, we can first prepare the seedbed to be used for sowing. Fox nut is an aquatic plant, so we need to dig the seedbed to a depth of about 20 cm, then fill it with about 10 cm of water. Wait until the water is clear, then gently place the seeds into the seedbed. In this process, note that we must always keep the water level in the seedbed at least around 10 to 15 cm; specifically, the water should be increased or decreased according to the growth of the fox nut seedlings.
3. Scientific temporary planting
Temporary planting is actually what we commonly call transplanting, though this transplanting is essentially different, mainly involving moving the seedlings to another place for cultivation. After the fox nut has grown for one month, when the seedlings have about three or four leaves, we can prepare to transplant. First we need to treat the transplanting site properly, lower the water level of the planting site to about 10 cm, then pull up the fox nut seedlings with roots, wash off the soil, and gently insert the seedlings into the prepared ground. After the temporarily planted seedlings grow new leaves, gradually raise the water level in the field, each time without letting the water submerge the heart leaves.
4. Reasonable final planting
When the fox nut seedlings after temporary planting have grown to a certain extent, we can carry out final planting, usually at a spacing of about 30 to 35 cm. It is best to plant an average of 150 fox nut plants per mu. At the time of final planting, the weeds in the field need to be cleared so that nutrients can be fully used by the fox nut, thus speeding up growth.
5. Field management
We should observe whether there are missing seedlings in the field, and if so, replant them promptly. At the same time, if some fox nut seedlings are found to be growing poorly or have pests and diseases, they should be pulled out promptly, and after disinfection new seedlings should be replanted in time. Next, after final planting the water depth in the field is about 35 cm, and once the fox nut has survived, the water level should be raised promptly, preferably to about 60 to 70 cm. The deepest water level at the planting site must not exceed 1.5 m, otherwise it will affect the normal growth of the fox nut. Usually, during the entire growth process of fox nut, fertilization is carried out about three to four times, mainly applying fertilizer reasonably according to the specific growth of the fox nut. Generally, organic rotted manure and compound fertilizer are used, combined with potassium fertilizer and urea, which can improve the yield and quality of the fox nut. When summer temperatures are high, we need to add an appropriate amount of cool water to the planting site to maintain the water temperature there. Finally, the most common diseases of fox nut are leaf spot and leaf gall disease, which can be controlled with 800-1000 times dilutions of carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl respectively.
6. Timely harvesting
The fox nut is relatively smooth all over, but there are a small number of thorns on the back of the leaves, so care must be taken when harvesting, otherwise the hands will be injured. It can be harvested about nine to eleven times a year. Usually harvesting can begin in August each year, generally once every five or six days. Note that when harvesting, we should pick fox nuts that are plump, relatively smooth, purplish-red in color and relatively soft; these are the mature ones. If they do not meet the requirements, leave them to be harvested next time.