How to plant king grass? Detailed explanation of planting methods and technical key points

King grass is a hybrid of napier grass and pearl millet, and is also called bamboo grass, king grass, or sugarcane grass. It can be used to make feed, beverages, fuel, and pulp material, and can also be used in landscaping and various other aspects, making it extremely versatile. Its new shoots can also be eaten as a vegetable, so it can be said to be a relatively new type of high-efficiency cash crop. So how is king grass planted? Below, the editor will briefly introduce some planting methods for king grass.

1. Site selection and land preparation

The growth habits of king grass are that it likes high temperatures, tolerates low temperatures, likes fertilizer and water, is strongly drought-resistant but not waterlogging-tolerant. Therefore, the planting site is generally chosen in a sunny area with fertile soil, close to a water source, or in a section with loose soil and relatively good drainage and irrigation conditions. Land preparation requires deep plowing of the soil, clearing weeds and stones from the field, then breaking the soil clods into fine pieces, and spreading sufficient farmyard manure as base fertilizer, among which cow dung is best. Finally, dig furrows and make beds, and wait for sowing.

2. Sowing and seedling raising

King grass planting generally adopts asexual propagation, because its seed germination rate is very low, so stem nodes are generally used for planting. Before planting, it needs to go through a period of seedling raising before transplanting. The time for seedling raising is generally between February and May each year, and the best time is around March. For the stem nodes, we should choose mature, healthy ones free of pests and diseases. Each node needs to have at least one bud point, then the stem nodes are disinfected, which can improve the survival rate. Finally, place the seed nodes diagonally into the soil, and water and fertilize in time; seedlings generally emerge in about 7 to 10 days.

3. Scientific planting

Generally, about one month after seedling raising, the seedlings can be transplanted and planted. At this time, king grass seedlings have generally grown to about 20 to 25 cm, and the transplanting time is generally between March and June. The planting density needs to be specifically analyzed according to the purpose of planting king grass, and there are generally the following densities. They are 2,000 to 3,000 plants per mu, with a row spacing of 60 cm and a plant spacing of 30 to 50 cm; and 800 to 1,000 plants per mu, with a row spacing of 90 to 100 cm and a plant spacing of 70 to 80 cm.

4. Field management

When planting, water the roots thoroughly and maintain soil moisture. On cloudy and rainy days, watering is generally not needed, while on sunny days, water once every 2 to 3 days. It is necessary to check the survival situation of transplanting in the field, replenish seedlings in time, and ensure uniformity in the field. Because king grass grows relatively slowly, it needs to be cultivated and weeded irregularly to promote plant growth. Watering must be moderate; on sunny days the water requirement is greater, so water generally about once every 3 days; on cloudy days, water appropriately; on rainy days, drain promptly to avoid water accumulation in the field, which could drown the king grass. Finally, on the basis of applying sufficient base fertilizer, additional fertilization is also needed, especially during the tillering stage of king grass. In order to accelerate the speed of tillering and increase the number of tillers, more fertilizer should be applied. Next, fertilize when king grass grows to about 60 cm, and finally fertilize before king grass enters winter; the fertilizer must mainly be nitrogen fertilizer or manure and urine water.

5. Pest and disease control

The resistance of king grass is relatively good, but anthracnose and powdery mildew can still occur. We can use carbendazim or Bordeaux mixture for control, while strengthening field management. Next, the more common insect pests are cutworms, aphids, and stem borers, which can be killed with trichlorfon or dimethoate emulsion.

The above is the summary compiled by the editor on the planting methods of king grass. I believe everyone has gained a general understanding after reading the above. At the same time, I hope it can help everyone. If you have questions in other aspects, you can also consult the editor.