A Detailed Guide to Alisma Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Alisma (scientific name: Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn.), a perennial aquatic or marsh herb. The whole plant is toxic, with the underground tuber being more toxic. The tuber is 1-3.5 cm in diameter, or larger. The anthers are about 1 mm long, elliptical, yellow, or pale green; the achenes are elliptical, or nearly oblong, and the seeds are purplish-brown with raised surfaces. It is produced in Heilongjiang, Jilin and other provinces and regions. It grows in the shallow water zones of lakes, river bends, streams and ponds, and also in swamps, ditches and low-lying wetlands. The flowers are relatively large and the flowering period is long, so it can be used for ornamental flowers. It can also be used as medicine, mainly to treat nephritic edema, pyelonephritis, enteritis and diarrhea, difficult urination and other conditions.
Planting Methods
Site selection and land preparation: For seedling beds, the land is generally selected for planting in slightly clayey soil with sufficient sunlight, nutrients and water; the most suitable choice is soil with relatively clear water and silt. The land for planting is easier to choose: any rice planting field close to a water source with good sunlight will do. The seedling land needs to be leveled, with 4,000 jin of farmyard manure per mu, then deep plowed, and finally after the land is leveled, planting can begin.
Sowing and seedling raising: Alisma generally begins sowing and seedling raising around June or July. Before sowing, we need to soak the seeds in water, then soak the seeds in a chemical agent for five to ten minutes and take them out, rinse the chemical agent off thoroughly, mix the seeds into prepared plant ash, and finally scatter the seeds evenly on the prepared seedling bed, gently press the seeds into the soil with a rake, and then quietly wait for them to sprout.
Seedling stage management: Alisma is generally planted in summer. Summer temperatures are relatively high, and the sunlight is also relatively strong, so we need to carry out heat-reducing measures. Generally, a shed is built around the seedling land for shade to avoid direct sunlight, and then watering is needed. Watering is to lower the soil temperature and promote normal growth of the seedlings. It should also be noted that in weather with relatively abundant rain, drainage must be carried out in time to avoid damage to the seedlings. When the seedlings grow four or five leaves, the shade shed can be removed. Fertilizer should be applied reasonably according to the growth conditions of the Alisma seedlings to benefit their growth.
Transplanting and setting out: The seedling stage of Alisma is generally about one month, so transplanting can be carried out in July or August. At this time, the Alisma seedlings have basically grown to about 10 cm. It is best to choose an overcast day for transplanting, as the survival rate of planting this way will be relatively higher. In order to increase the yield of Alisma, we must set out the plants according to a reasonable density. Generally, 9,000 plants need to be planted per mu, that is, the row spacing is about 25 cm and the plant spacing is about 20 cm.
Field management: Within two to three days after transplanting, we need to inspect the Alisma seedlings in the field. If fallen or dead seedlings appear, we must promptly straighten and replant them. Just after planting, the water level in the Alisma field only needs to be about 1 cm, but later we can gradually deepen it in the field, though the highest water level must not exceed 10 cm; generally about 5 to 6 cm is best. During the entire growth process of Alisma, topdressing must be carried out at least three times. The first time is mainly watering with manure and urine water, and the second and third times are mainly with phosphate fertilizer and cake fertilizer, combined with intertillage. Finally, it should also be noted that we need to properly remove the side buds and early bolts of Alisma, which can reduce nutrient consumption and promote tuber growth.