Detailed explanation of the key technical points for field management of Atractylodes macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala is one of the major cultivated medicinal herbs. In recent years, as more and more people have started growing it, its cultivation returns have also improved, making it a relatively good project in medicinal herb cultivation. However, to achieve high yields of Atractylodes macrocephala and increase returns, field management is indispensable. Follow the editor to take a look at the field management techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala.

1. Intertillage and weeding

Throughout the entire growth period of Atractylodes macrocephala, intertillage and weeding should be carried out 3-4 times. When the seedlings grow to 3-5 cm, carry out the first intertillage and weeding. The first time, cultivate shallowly and loosen the soil to avoid damaging the root system, but weed deeply, which can promote root extension. After that, hoe shallowly when weeding to avoid damaging the roots. When the plants enter the vigorous growth stage, intertillage is not necessary, but once weeds are found they should be pulled out by hand in time. After rain, loosen the soil in time to improve soil permeability and facilitate plant growth. It should be noted that when the dew has not dried after rain, it is not suitable to weed, otherwise it will cause the plants to contract leaf blight.

2. Topdressing

Topdressing should also be carried out 3-4 times, and can be done together with intertillage and weeding. The first topdressing is when the seedlings are uniform; apply 1500 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu to promote seedling growth. The second is in May, when the plants are in the vegetative growth period; apply 2000 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu or about 10 kg of ammonium sulfate. The third is during the bud-picking period, when the underground rhizomes begin to expand and the fertilizer uptake capacity is high; apply 2000 kg of decomposed human manure and urine, 100 kg of decomposed cake fertilizer, and 50 kg of phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer per mu.

3. Irrigation and watering

Atractylodes macrocephala is afraid of waterlogging. If field humidity is relatively high, it easily causes disease, so special attention must be paid when watering. Do not water too much at one time; the method of watering less but more often can be used. After the rainy season, timely drainage and waterlogging prevention measures should be taken, and the furrow ditches should be cleared. In the early and middle growth stages, Atractylodes macrocephala does not have a high demand for water. But in the late growth stage, when the rhizomes begin to expand, its water demand rises sharply, so preparations for watering should be made to ensure a sufficient water supply, promote tuber expansion, and increase yield.

4. Bud picking and tiller removal

When Atractylodes macrocephala buds in May-June, in order to promote rhizome growth and improve quality, except for plants used for seed preservation, all other plants should have their flower buds completely removed before budding and flowering. The timing of bud picking is also extremely important; it should not be too early or too late. If too early, the plants are young and tender, which affects plant growth; if too late, too many nutrients are consumed. The most suitable time is when the small flowers have spread open and the scales wrapping the outside of the flower buds are slightly yellow. When picking buds, hold the stem with one hand and pick the buds with the other, and keep the small leaves. After bud picking, fertilize in time to maintain nutrients. It is best to choose a sunny day for bud picking, to avoid morning and rainy days when dew and rainwater seep into the wounds and cause disease and rot. Similarly, in August-September, tiller seedlings will grow on the rhizomes of the plants and should be removed in time to avoid consuming too many nutrients and affecting yield.

The above are the field management techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.