A Detailed Guide to Quinoa Cultivation Techniques and Field Management Methods

Quinoa contains very rich protein and is also the only grain with complete protein. Now the demand for quinoa is growing, and many growers have started to cultivate quinoa, so what are the cultivation techniques for quinoa?

1. Quinoa cultivation techniques

1. Land selection and preparation

Quinoa has relatively strong adaptability to soil, but to grow high-yielding quinoa, the planting site still needs to be chosen as a plot facing the sun and sheltered from the wind, with strong permeability, fertile soil and good drainage and irrigation. Quinoa must absolutely not be grown in continuous cropping, otherwise various diseases and insect pests will occur and weeds will grow rampant. Quinoa grains are relatively small, and the seeds have poor ability to push through the soil, so land preparation must be done well. During land preparation, check whether there are residues of the previous crop in the soil and clean them up in time. After land preparation, apply sufficient base fertilizer. Fully decomposed farmyard manure can be used as base fertilizer to improve soil fertility and promote quinoa seed germination and seedling emergence.

2. Sowing at the right time

When sowing, choose the correct time, neither too early nor too late. In southern regions, sowing should be chosen in late spring. If sown too early, the lower temperature easily inhibits seed germination, and the seedlings may suffer from late spring cold damage. Sowing too late will delay the harvest time of quinoa, and the seedlings may fail to grow because the summer temperature is too high. When sowing, pay attention to soil moisture, and control the sowing depth according to the moisture. Both too deep and too shallow will have a certain impact on quinoa growth. The sowing depth must not exceed 3 quinoa; if it exceeds 3 cm, the seeds cannot emerge through the soil, but if sown too shallow, the lodging phenomenon of quinoa will be worsened.

3. Checking seedlings and thinning

After sowing and successful emergence, do a good job of checking seedlings. To ensure quinoa yield, replant missing seedlings in time. When the seedlings grow to about 15 cm, thin them appropriately to ensure that each quinoa plant has sufficient growing space. The number of retained seedlings can be increased to ensure a full stand. During the quinoa seedling stage, prevent rampant weeds. Proper weeding is beneficial to seedling growth and ensures sufficient nutrients. Later, according to quinoa growth, cultivate and earth up in time. When quinoa reaches thigh height, carry out weeding again to prevent it from taking away the nutrients needed for quinoa growth.

4. Harvesting at the right time

Harvest time also has certain requirements. We should decide according to the condition of the quinoa plants and grains. When quinoa matures, the grain spikes turn completely yellow, and the leaves wither and fall. The grains are plump and hard, and then they can be harvested. Harvest time should not be too late or too early. If harvested too early, the grains are not fully mature and are prone to mildew, leading to reduced yield. If harvested too late, lodging is also likely to occur, and a large number of grains fall into the field, causing serious damage to both yield and quality. Avoid rainy weather when harvesting. Grains are not easy to store after contact with water and are prone to diseases and insect pests.

2. Field management of quinoa

1. Water management

Quinoa is a drought-resistant crop, but during the quinoa seedling stage it needs a certain amount of water, so when sowing we can choose to sow after rain or first water the soil thoroughly. The soil moisture content during the seedling stage is directly related to the growth and survival rate of the seedlings. If the water content is insufficient, the seedlings cannot form a full stand. Therefore, before and after sowing, ensure that the soil has an appropriate amount of water. After the seedlings grow, the demand for water gradually decreases, and even excessive water can cause quinoa death. However, during the grain-filling stage, a small amount of water should also be applied.

2. Timely topdressing

Quinoa has strong growth ability, but it also needs a suitable amount of nutrients supplemented. When applying base fertilizer, if conditions permit, it can be applied sufficiently in one go. But if not, during the growth process, topdress in time according to the growth progress of quinoa. When topdressing, pay attention to nutrient composition. Only reasonable proportioning can make quinoa grow more robustly. Observe quinoa plants regularly. If symptoms of fertilizer deficiency are found, apply nitrogen fertilizer in time, but nitrogen fertilizer must absolutely not be excessive. Failure to control the amount will cause excessive vegetative growth in quinoa, affecting yield and reducing planting benefits.

3. Preventing lodging

Quinoa plants are relatively tall, but their root capacity is poor, their distribution is shallow, and the stems are very fragile. In the windy autumn season, lodging is extremely likely to occur. Lodging will not only cause quinoa yield reduction, but also reduce quinoa quality. Therefore, to ensure the normal growth of quinoa, lodging must be prevented. When selecting land, choose plots with relatively little wind, control the application of base fertilizer, and add potassium fertilizer to the base fertilizer, because potassium fertilizer can improve quinoa growth, promote thick stems, and enhance the lodging resistance of quinoa stems.

4. Disease control

The prevention and control of quinoa diseases and insect pests cannot be relaxed, and prevention should be the main approach. The first preventive measure is to prevent continuous cropping. Do not choose plots with severe diseases and insect pests, and do not allow lack of light or poor ventilation. Before planting, plow and disinfect the soil, and use the low winter temperature to eliminate some pathogens. Also, choose good weather when sowing, and do not sow in rainy weather. Observe the growth of quinoa. If symptoms of disease occur, remove the diseased plants in time, check the specific disease, and then use the corresponding pesticide for treatment to control it and prevent spread.