Detailed Explanation of the Key Technical Points for Field Management of Dwarf Lilyturf

Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) originated in China, and it is currently cultivated throughout the southern regions of China. It mostly grows on shady, damp hillsides below 2000 m in elevation, under forest canopies, or beside streams. Its tubers are a traditional Chinese medicinal material with the effects of promoting fluid production and quenching thirst, and moistening the lungs to stop coughing. So how should it be managed during cultivation? Let's take a look together.

1. Intertillage and Weeding

Dwarf lilyturf plants are short. Weeds easily grow in the field, seizing nutrients and growing space, which will affect the growth of dwarf lilyturf. Therefore, field weeding must be done well, and the field should be kept free of weeds to avoid weed infestation. 10-15 days after planting, intertillage and loosening of the soil must be carried out once to promote root growth. After that, weed once a month or every half month to promote early tillering and vigorous rooting of the seedlings. After October, intertillage and soil loosening should be done by shallow hoeing to avoid damaging the root hairs. In winter there are fewer weeds, so weeding can be appropriately reduced or skipped. Weeding should not be done after rain or during frosty weather, so as to avoid soil compaction that affects root or tuber growth and expansion.

2. Thinning and Replanting Seedlings

During the seedling stage, when the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, thinning should be carried out in a timely manner to maintain the spacing between plants and rows, avoiding plants being too dense and causing field closure. Thinning can increase field ventilation and light penetration and can be carried out together with intertillage and weeding. When thinning, attention should be paid to removing old, weak, diseased, and pest-infested seedlings and keeping strong seedlings. For a period after thinning, the field should be observed frequently. Once dead seedlings are found, replanting should be done promptly to avoid gaps in the stand and reduce yield.

3. Topdressing

Dwarf lilyturf has a long growth period and a relatively high demand for nutrients. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer before planting, timely topdressing should also be carried out according to plant growth so as to obtain high yield. Reasonable topdressing is the key to increasing dwarf lilyturf yield. During topdressing, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers should be reasonably combined. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer tends to cause excessive vegetative growth and soil compaction, while excessive phosphorus and potassium fertilizer makes leaves short and yellow, and highly prone to dying. Generally, topdressing should be done 3-4 times per year. The first time is in July, applying 2000-2500 kg of human and livestock manure water and 50 kg of cake fertilizer per mu; the second time is in August, applying 2500-3000 kg of manure water and 80 kg of cake fertilizer per mu; the third time is in November, applying 3000 kg of manure water per mu plus 50 kg each of cake fertilizer and superphosphate to promote tuber expansion.

4. Irrigation

Dwarf lilyturf prefers a moist environment and requires a relatively large amount of water during growth. After planting, rooting water should be applied in a timely manner to keep the soil moist and promote early new root growth in the seedlings. After early summer, as temperatures gradually rise and evaporation increases, watering should be done in a timely manner to replenish water. In addition, during drought periods, watering should also be done promptly to promote root growth. During the rainy season, when rainfall is heavy, accumulated water in the field should be drained promptly to avoid inducing disease or causing root rot, which would affect yield.

The above is an introduction to the field management techniques for dwarf lilyturf. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.