Detailed Guide to Bupleurum Cultivation Techniques: Sowing Methods and Field Management Key Points
Bupleurum, also known as Di Xun, Shan Cai, Gu Cao, and Chai Cao, is a commonly used exterior-releasing herb with the effects of harmonizing the exterior and interior and soothing the liver and elevating yang. It is mainly used to treat common cold with fever, alternating chills and fever, liver qi stagnation, irregular menstruation, and other conditions. So how should bupleurum be cultivated? Let's take a look.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Bupleurum mainly grows in sandy grasslands, sand dune meadows, and under sparse forests on sunny slopes, so when planting, choose sandy soil as much as possible, and avoid clay soil and low-lying land prone to water accumulation. Before planting, apply base fertilizer in combination with land preparation. The base fertilizer should be mainly organic fertilizer, paired with an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer or compound fertilizer. Spread it evenly, then deep plow, break up the soil finely, and rake it level so that it mixes evenly with the soil. Then make beds or ridges. The height of the beds is 15-30 cm, and the width is 1-1.3 m.
2. Sowing and Raising Seedlings
Sowing methods can include direct sowing or seedling transplanting. For large areas, direct sowing is generally used, and the sowing time is after the winter thaw or in spring. When sowing, water the bed surface thoroughly, open shallow furrows at a row spacing of 15-18 cm, with a furrow depth of 1.5-2 cm being suitable, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows and cover with a layer of fine soil 0.7-1 cm thick. Seedlings can emerge within two weeks of sowing. For seedling transplanting, the sowing time is generally March to April, and it can be done by drilling or hole sowing. For drilling, keep the row spacing at 10 cm, evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, then cover with soil and water. Rice straw or plastic film can also be used to keep warm and moist, which helps seedling emergence. Hole sowing means opening holes on the bed surface and sowing, which is rather cumbersome and rarely used.
3. Transplanting
With the seedling transplanting method, once the seedlings grow to 7 cm, they can be transplanted to the field. When transplanting, pay attention to plant and row spacing. The row spacing is best at 15-20 cm, and the plant spacing is best at 7-10 cm. When lifting the seedlings for transplanting, water thoroughly once to make lifting easier, and after transplanting, also water thoroughly to help the seedlings recover and improve the transplanting survival rate.
4. Field Management
After the transplants survive, begin weeding. After weeding, carry out intertillage, which can loosen the soil, increase soil permeability, and promote root growth and development. When the seedlings grow to 15-18 cm, apply a topdressing once, mainly nitrogen fertilizer or urea. Before fertilizing, be sure to weed first, but do not damage the seedlings. After fertilizing, water can be applied to dilute the fertilizer, lower its concentration, and allow it to penetrate into the soil as quickly as possible, speeding up root absorption.
The above is an introduction to bupleurum cultivation techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.