How to Grow Lotus Root in Dry Land? Key Cultivation Techniques Explained

Lotus root is a vegetable that many people greatly enjoy, and the dry-land cultivation technique for lotus root is an emerging growing method that frees lotus root cultivation from dependence on ponds. However, in dry-land cultivation, water management is also crucial. So today we will mainly learn about the techniques for growing lotus root in dry land. Let's take a look together.

1. Site Selection and Land Preparation

For growing lotus root in dry land, the requirements for the planting site are relatively high. Generally, it is best to choose a plot with abundant water sources, good water quality, and deep soil. Next, the site should have good drainage and irrigation conditions, and the soil fertility should be relatively sufficient. When preparing the land, we need to level the planting site and ensure it does not leak water or fertilizer, while also making drainage holes and water inlets. Once ready, choose clay loam rich in humus, crush it, mix it with organic fertilizer and apply it, then plow and level the land again.

2. Selecting and Arranging Lotus Root

The selection of lotus root seed rhizomes is also very important. Generally, whole lotus roots with attached daughter rhizomes are chosen as seed rhizomes, as this kind of lotus root is beneficial for the growth of new plants and also provides a certain guarantee for the yield and quality of the lotus root. Generally, around May, the lotus roots can be arranged, divided into water planting and dry planting, with about four to five hundred jin of seed rhizomes needed per mu. Finally, plant them with a row spacing of two cm, and the lotus roots should be closely connected to one another. For water planting, simply fill with about three to four cm of water before arranging the lotus roots, while for dry planting, first open furrows, then arrange the lotus roots before adding water.

3. Field Management

Field management for dry-land lotus root cultivation mainly involves water level regulation, plant adjustment, topdressing, and pest and disease control. About eight to ten days after arranging the lotus roots, the field does not need too much water, generally about five to six cm is sufficient. After the lotus roots sprout and grow floating leaves, we then need to regulate the field water, keeping it at about twenty-five cm. During drier weather, water timely, and during the rainy season, drain promptly. About one month after the lotus roots survive, we should remove the floating leaves and adjust the plants accordingly to ensure concentrated nutrient supply. When sufficient base fertilizer has been applied, during the growth stage of the lotus root, we need to topdress about twice. This mainly uses decomposed manure, combined with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. When fertilizing, lower the water level, wait for the fertilizer to seep into the soil, then add fresh water.

4. Precautions

There are also many points to note when using dry land to grow lotus root. First, we must pay attention to the issue of site selection; the base of the planting site should be filled and leveled with lime, cement, etc. Second, the soil quality of the planting site is best if it is clay loam. Also, the selected seed lotus root should be a whole lotus root, preferably with daughter rhizomes, as this helps sprout new shoots. Finally, arrange the lotus roots around Labor Day, neither too early nor too late, while also paying attention to later field management work.

The above are the methods for growing lotus root in dry land, and now this method of growing lotus root is very widespread in many places. So if you really want to learn, you can also go on-site to experience and understand it, which will be of great help in improving the yield and quality of lotus root.