How to fertilize kudzu for higher yield and better quality

Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) is a perennial vine in the legume family, genus Pueraria. The main harvest is the swollen underground root tuber, and whether fertilizer management is done properly directly affects root tuber expansion and starch accumulation. Although kudzu tolerates poor soil, if you want thick, starchy root tubers, you still need to supply fertilizer reasonably according to the different growth stages.

Applying enough base fertilizer is the first step in growing kudzu. When preparing the land and making ridges, apply fully decomposed farmyard manure together with an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer into the planting furrow or planting hole, mix it evenly with the soil, then cover with soil and plant. The base fertilizer must be decomposed; unfermented raw manure easily burns the roots and also tends to attract soil-dwelling pests.

Topdressing should be done in stages. At the seedling stage, mainly use nitrogen fertilizer, applying light doses frequently to promote vigorous vine growth and build a good high-yield framework; after entering the root tuber expansion stage, control nitrogen and increase phosphorus and potassium to prevent the vines and leaves from growing excessively and competing with the root tubers for nutrients; in the middle and late stages, foliar spraying of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be used to help transport and accumulate starch into the root tubers.

When fertilizing, also pay attention to the method. Fertilizer should be applied at a certain distance from the plant, and after hole application or furrow application, cover with soil promptly to avoid direct contact with the root tubers and stem base; topdressing when the soil is moist helps absorption, and in dry weather, water appropriately after fertilizing. The general principle is to promote early and control late: promote seedlings early and promote roots later. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer is often the main reason kudzu vines grow rampantly while the root tubers stay small.