Shallow-water lotus root

1. Select superior seed lotus roots. For shallow-water lotus root, choose excellent varieties suitable for shallow-water cultivation as seed lotus roots, such as Hainan Zhou and Wulian No. 2. The seed lotus root should preferably be a whole lotus root with more than 3-4 nodes and with both daughter and grandchild lotus roots complete. The seed lotus root is required to be thick and strong, with vigorous buds, free of pests and diseases, and free of damage.

2. Select fertile clay loam fields. The product organ of the lotus root is formed in the underground soil; therefore, the lotus root field for planting shallow-water lotus root should be able to retain water, be rich in organic matter, and have a deep silt layer. Fertile clay loam is most suitable.

3. Reasonable close planting. The planting density of lotus root is most closely related to maturity period and yield. Proper close planting has the effect of early maturity and increased yield. Generally, the density for early-maturing varieties is: row spacing 2-2.5 m, with a hole distance of about 1 m.

4. Place equal importance on base fertilizer and topdressing. Lotus root has a long growth period and requires much fertilizer. The general principle for fertilizing shallow-water lotus root is to place equal importance on base fertilizer and topdressing. Generally, 1500-2500 kg of human and livestock manure or barnyard manure is applied per mu as base fertilizer. For early-maturing lotus root, generally 1500-2000 kg of human excrement and urine fertilizer is applied per mu as topdressing. Topdressing is applied in three applications, with the emphasis at the early stage of lotus root formation.

5. Scientifically regulate the water level. The general principle for water layer management of shallow-water lotus root is shallow at the front, deep in the middle, and shallow at the back. During the germination and growth period, the water layer should be shallow, preferably 4-7 cm. During the period of vigorous stem and leaf growth, the water layer should be somewhat deeper, preferably 12-15 cm. During the lotus root formation period, the water layer should be shallow, preferably 4-7 cm.

6. Frequently turn the lotus root tips and weed in time. During the period of vigorous stem and leaf growth of lotus root, the lotus rhizome grows rapidly. When the curled leaves are about 1 m from the field edge, in order to prevent the lotus root tips from crossing the field ridge, turn the lotus root tips near the field ridge back into the field every 2-3 days. The lotus root tips are very tender, so the soil should be lifted and turned together with the lotus root tips to prevent breaking the lotus rhizome, and after turning, press the soil back firmly. It is best to turn the lotus root tips at noon. In the early growth stage of shallow-water lotus root, there are many weeds, which greatly affect the growth of lotus root, so weeds should be removed in time, preferably by combining manual weeding and chemical weeding.

7. Harvest at the right time. After the terminal leaf appears on the lotus root, when the underside of the terminal leaf is slightly red and the edges of the upright leaves at the base begin to turn yellow, the lotus root is fully mature. At this time, it can be dug up and sold on the market.