Fertilization Methods for Gastrodia: Can Diammonium Phosphate, Superphosphate, and Ammonium Nitrate Be Applied?

Yes, they can be applied. This is because all three fertilizers are acidic fertilizers and can increase soil acidity. In terms of their properties, they suit the growth and development requirements of Armillaria mellea and Gastrodia; in terms of composition, all three fertilizers contain phosphorus and nitrogen components; in theory, Armillaria mellea requires a certain amount of phosphorus and nitrogen during its growth and development. During the growth and development of Gastrodia, as it absorbs water from the substrate, it can take up some trace elements and phosphorus along with the water. Therefore, when cultivating Gastrodia, applying an appropriate amount of acidic fertilizer can increase Gastrodia yield. According to experiments by Dan Cunzhi and Wang Yingkui, Gastrodia specialists in Wangjiayuan Village, Siping Township, Danfeng County, Shanxi Province: applying 0.5-1 kg of ammonium nitrate per pit (10 sq m) of Gastrodia can increase yield by 10%-20%. The method is: at the bottom layer of the pit or cellar, loosen the subsoil, evenly scatter the fertilizer, mix thoroughly, then scatter a 1 cm layer of sandy loam soil. Then place the fungal sticks and fungal spawn at 3 cm intervals, laying them out on top in sequence, repeatedly lifting and pressing down to compact the soil beneath the fungal sticks and fungal spawn. Then cultivate Gastrodia next to the fungal spawn, fill the gaps with sandy loam soil, and cover with 3 cm of soil. Cultivate the second layer in the same way, then cover with 15 cm of soil.