Main cultivation techniques for chicory (Cichorium intybus) as forage

[Land preparation and fertilization]

Because chicory seeds are tiny (1000-seed weight 0.96 grams), on the basis of deep ploughing the soil surface should be fine and level; while ploughing the land, apply sufficient farmyard manure at 2500-3000 kg per mu.

[Sowing]

① Sowing time: chicory is perennial, so sowing time is not limited by season; generally it can be sown from April to October, and can be sown at any temperature above 5°C.

② Sowing rate: chicory seeds are tiny; the sowing rate for direct sowing is generally 400-500 grams per mu, and for raising seedlings for transplanting 100-150 grams per mu; sowing depth is 1-2 cm.

③ Sowing method: use broadcast sowing, drilling in rows, or raising seedlings for transplanting. If raising seedlings for transplanting, transplant generally when there are 3-4 small leaves, with row spacing and plant spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm square. When sowing, mix the seeds thoroughly with fine sandy soil to increase the volume, so as to ensure even sowing. After sowing, water or irrigate appropriately to keep the soil at a certain moisture level; seedlings generally emerge completely in 4-5 days.

[Field management]

① Weed control: seedling-stage growth is slow; to prevent weed damage, a herbicide for monocotyledonous plants can be sprayed. Once chicory is fully grown, there is generally no weed damage.

② Watering and fertilizing: chicory is a leafy vegetable-type forage with high water and fertilizer requirements; one month after emergence and after each cutting and utilization, water and topdress with quick-acting fertilizer in good time to ensure rapid regrowth.

③ Cut and utilize in good time: generally, cutting can be done when the plants reach 50 cm high, leaving a stubble of about 5 cm; it should not be too high or too low, and generally cutting can be done once every 30 days.