Detailed Explanation of the Intercropping Model of Honeysuckle and Medicinal Herbs

Intercropping Model of Honeysuckle and Medicinal Herbs

Honeysuckle is a commonly used bulk medicinal herb with wide uses and high value. It can be cultivated throughout the country. However, due to its long growth cycle and inconspicuous short-term benefits, people are deterred despite knowing that planting honeysuckle is profitable and can lead to prosperity. Now, based on the growth characteristics of honeysuckle, an efficient intercropping model of expanding rows, reducing plant spacing, rational close planting, intercropping medicinal herbs, and using "medicinal herbs" to nourish "flowers" has been adopted, achieving the goal of "planting flowers in the same year, seeing results in the same year," providing an effective path for the large-scale and modern development of honeysuckle.

1. Intercropping Licorice in the Early Growth Stage of Honeysuckle According to the growth characteristics of honeysuckle varieties, a cultivation method of appropriately expanding row spacing and reducing plant spacing is used for hole planting, which effectively utilizes the land, ensures a sufficient number of plants in a certain area, enhances ventilation and light conditions, and provides a good growing environment for the light-loving and temperature-loving honeysuckle, thereby laying a solid foundation for improving yield and quality. At the same time, intercropping the short-cycle, short-statured medicinal herb licorice within its row spacing achieves the purpose of using medicinal herbs to nourish flowers and using short-term crops to support long-term crops. The specific cultivation methods are as follows: (1) Honeysuckle cultivation: It can be cultivated throughout the year. On the selected plot, apply 5000 kg of organic fertilizer, 100 kg of superphosphate, 30 kg of potassium sulfate, and 50 kg of ammonium bicarbonate per mu, plow finely and harrow evenly, make high beds 2 m wide, and between beds make shallow ditches 30 cm wide and 10 cm deep. In the ditches, dig a square hole 30 cm deep every 100 cm, plant two flower seedlings in each hole, fill with soil and firm it, and water. Plant 330 holes per mu of honeysuckle, totaling 660 plants. Keep the soil moist for 15 days after planting, and they will sprout and survive. (2) Licorice cultivation techniques (refer to the cultivation method introduction above).

2. Intercropping Pinellia in the Late Growth Stage of Honeysuckle (refer to the cultivation method introduction above).

3. Using Medicinal Herbs to Nourish Flowers, with Significant Economic Benefits The planting model of intercropping medicinal herbs between honeysuckle rows can significantly increase economic benefits. Intercropping licorice in the early growth stage of honeysuckle yields economic benefits basically the same as the above analysis. At the same time, through fertilization and watering management for licorice, honeysuckle obtains sufficient nutrients and grows vigorously. In the first year, 20 kg of honeysuckle can be harvested, at a market price of 35 yuan/kg, yielding an income of 700 yuan per mu. In the second year, 60 kg of honeysuckle is harvested, yielding an income of 2000 yuan per mu, plus the income from intercropped licorice, the benefits are quite considerable. In the third year, honeysuckle enters the high-yield period, with a dry flower yield of 150-200 kg per mu, and benefits can reach more than 5000 yuan. At the same time, a certain degree of shade is formed within its rows, providing natural living conditions for the moisture-loving and shade-tolerant pinellia, so pinellia grows well, and the benefits can be imagined, achieving multiple benefits at once.