Fertilization Methods for Edible Fungi and High-Mountain Off-Season Broccoli Cultivation Techniques

Broccoli is currently a major variety among China's exported vegetables. In order to make use of the unique climate conditions of mountainous areas, adjust the vegetable industry structure, and develop export-oriented vegetable production for foreign exchange earnings, in 2002 Longquan City grew broccoli off-season under contract in the high-mountain zones of Longnan, Pingnan and other townships at an altitude of 750-1200 m, with an area of 2250 mu. The main cultivars included Lufeng, Futu Green, Ludai Zi, Shanshui and others, with a yield of 750-1000 kg per mu, an output value of 2000-3000 yuan, and a net output value of 1800-2800 yuan. The cultivation techniques are described below:

1 Raising Strong Seedlings

1.1 Selection of Sowing Period

For high-mountain off-season cultivation, broccoli is required to be harvested and marketed from late August to November, so the sowing period should be selected from mid-June to mid-July. For high altitudes and early-maturing varieties, the sowing period should be appropriately advanced; for low altitudes and mid-maturing varieties, the sowing period should be correspondingly delayed. According to the requirements of the contract enterprises, sowing can be carried out in stages and batches to achieve a balanced market supply.

1.2 Sowing and Seedling Raising

Rain-proof seedling raising in a greenhouse is adopted. The seeds are disinfected by soaking in warm water, mixed with chemicals and broadcast (Caifengning, chlorothalonil, etc. may be used); every 15 g of seed requires 10 sq m of seedbed. Before sowing, water the bed thoroughly; after sowing, cover with 1 cm of fine soil, lay film flat to retain moisture, and set up a shade net on a frame to lower the temperature. 2-3 days after sowing, when 70% of the seeds have emerged, remove the film in the evening, and on sunny days cover with a shade net from 10:00 to 16:00 to lower the temperature. At the 2-leaf stage (8-10 days after emergence), transplant into 10×10 cm nutritional pots; at the 6-leaf stage (about 30 days after sowing), transplant to the field.

2 Land Preparation

2.1 Land Selection

Off-season broccoli can be planted in high-mountain zones at an altitude of 750-1200 m. Deep soil layers, loose and fertile soil, and convenient drainage and irrigation are required. For plots at lower altitudes, it is best to choose sheltered plots facing east with a slight westward orientation, possessing a microclimate of morning sun and afternoon shade. High mountains have many terraced fields; a pond may be made at certain intervals, and the natural drop can be used for watering with a hose, reducing labor intensity.

2.2 Land Preparation, Bed Making, and Sufficient Application of Base Fertilizer

After the land is plowed, make beds 1.3 m wide (including furrows), and open a furrow in the middle of the bed to apply base fertilizer. Generally, apply more than 1000 kg of farmyard manure per 667 sq m; weeds cleared from field ridges and edges can be pressed in together as base fertilizer, combined with 25 kg of superphosphate, 10 kg of potassium chloride, 10 kg of urea, and 2 kg of boric acid, or 30 kg of compound fertilizer and 2 kg of boric acid. Then broadcast 50 kg of quicklime on the bed surface and mix it evenly with the topsoil, and level the bed surface.

3 Field Planting and Management

3.1 Planting Density

Plant 2500-3000 plants per mu; early-maturing varieties should be planted more densely, mid-maturing varieties more sparsely. Plant diagonally, and water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots.

3.2 Intertillage, Weeding, and Grass Mulching

From 7 days after planting until the rows close, carry out intertillage and weeding at least 2 times, and cut grass for mulching, so as to help lower surface soil temperature, maintain moisture, and reduce weed growth.

3.3 Fertilizer and Water Management

The fertilization principles for high-mountain off-season broccoli are: apply sufficient base fertilizer, apply topdressing early, apply heavy fertilizer at the bud stage, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer in a one-sided way, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Generally, 7 days after planting, apply one topdressing of dilute human manure and urine, or apply 3-5 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer per 667 sq m; afterward, combine with intertillage and weeding and apply topdressing according to seedling condition; at the bud stage (when the flower head is the size of a thumb), apply 10-15 kg of urea and 5-10 kg of potassium chloride along with watering. Combined with pest and disease control, spray Aiduoshou or Tianda 2116 disease-resistant yield-increasing agent or brassinolide or potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc., every 7-10 days to increase yield and enhance resistance.

3.4 Pest and Disease Control

3.4.1 Pests The main pests include aphids, diamondback moth, cabbage caterpillar, and noctuid moths. Aphids can be controlled by spraying 10% Yibianjing 2000-fold solution or 1% insecticide 3000-fold solution, etc.; diamondback moth, cabbage caterpillar, and noctuid moths can be controlled by spraying 5% Yitaibao 2000-fold solution or 5% fipronil 3000-fold solution or 5% Ewanqing 1500-fold solution, etc.

3.4.2 Diseases The main diseases include black rot, soft rot, and downy mildew. For black rot and soft rot, in addition to seed disinfection by mixing with chemicals, during the disease occurrence period one may choose 72% agricultural streptomycin 3000-fold solution or new streptomycin 100-200 ppm or 77% Keshade 500-fold solution, etc. for control; for downy mildew, one may spray 75% chlorothalonil 500-fold solution or 64% Shadufan 500-fold solution or 72.2% Previcur 600-800-fold solution, etc.

3.5 Timely Harvest

For high-mountain off-season broccoli, harvest should be carried out when the flower head has grown to full size and the edges have not yet split. Generally, harvest once every 1-2 days; on sunny days harvest before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m., and on cloudy days harvest throughout the day. Grade and package promptly, and keep refrigerated during transport.