Planting and cultivation management of Atractylodes macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala , as a traditional Chinese medicinal material , uses its rhizome as the medicinal part. Atractylodes prefers a cool climate and has good cold resistance, but is more sensitive to high temperature and humid environment. Therefore, Atractylodes macrocephala is more suitable for planting in mountainous areas with an altitude of about 1,000 meters, as such an environment is conducive to its healthy growth. Although Atractylodes macrocephala can be grown in low and medium mountainous areas, it may face the problem of increased diseases. Let’s learn about the planting and cultivation techniques of Atractylodes macrocephala.

1. Land preparation and fertilization

When choosing a nursery site, priority should be given to sandy loam with moderate fertility, good drainage, good ventilation and slightly acidic. Apply 2,000 kg of farmyard manure to every 667 square meters of land, deep plow and level the soil, and make 1.2-meter-wide ridges. For large fields, fertile, ventilated, cool, well-drained sandy loam that has not been planted with Atractylodes macrocephala within 5 years should be selected, and the previous crop should be Poaceae. After the previous crop is harvested, apply 3,000 kg of farmyard manure and 50 kg of superphosphate as base fertilizer per 667 square meters, deep plow 20 cm, and make 1-1.5 meter wide beds.

2. Reproduction Technology

Atractylodes is mainly propagated by seeds, and the seedling transplanting method is mostly used in production.

1. Seedling cultivation

From late March to early April, select new seeds with full grains and no diseases or insect pests. Soak them in 30℃ warm water for one day and then germinate and sow them. It can be sown in rows or broadcast. When sowing in rows, dig furrows with a row spacing of 15 cm and a depth of 4-6 cm. Sow seeds after watering, cover with soil and compact lightly, and cover the surface of the bed with grass to keep warm and moist. The seed rate is 5-7 kg per 667 square meters. After the seedlings emerge, remove the grass and strengthen field management. By the time of winter transplanting, 400-600 kg of fresh seedlings can be cultivated.

2. Transplantation

Transplantation is carried out from winter of the current year to spring of the following year. Select healthy plants with neatly arranged roots and stems, cut off the fibrous roots, and transplant them with a row spacing of 25 cm and a trench depth of 10 cm, keeping the plant spacing at about 15 cm. After planting, compact the soil and water well. 50-60 kg of fresh Atractylodes macrocephala is required per 667 square meters.

3. Field Management

1. Management of seedling fields

Weed the seedlings immediately after they emerge from the soil, and thin out the seedlings at a spacing of 4-6 cm. During drought, weeding can be done to reduce water evaporation, and watering can be done in the morning and evening if necessary. If bolting occurs in the later stage of growth, it should be removed in time.

2. Field management

① Intertillage and weeding: From the time the seedlings emerge from the soil to May, intertillage and weeding should be carried out diligently. Deep weeding can be used in the early stage, and shallow weeding can be used in the later stage. After mid-May, the plants enter a vigorous growth period and generally no intertillage is required. If there are weeds, they can be pulled out manually.

② Fertilization: Before and after budding, apply 20 kg of urea and 30 kg of compound fertilizer per 667 square meters, cover with soil and water after application. Apply fertilizer again one week after picking the buds.

③ Irrigation and drainage: Atractylodes macrocephala needs sufficient water to grow. It should be irrigated in time during drought and the accumulated water should be drained in time after rain.

④ Bud picking: Buds appear on the plants in mid-June, and they should be picked in early to mid-July, which is beneficial to increasing the rhizome yield and quality. Field operations should be carried out after the dew has dried.

⑤ Cover with grass: In the hot season of July, you can cover the ground with leaves, wheat bran, etc. to regulate the ground temperature and protect Atractylodes macrocephala to safely survive the summer.

3. Pest and disease control

Common diseases and pests include damping-off, leaf blight, white rot, root rot, rust, etc., and appropriate prevention and control measures should be taken according to the specific situation.

4. Harvesting and Processing

The best harvesting period for Atractylodes macrocephala is from late October to mid-November of the year of planting, when the stems and leaves wither. After harvesting, the rhizomes are dug out, the stems are cut off, and the rhizomes are transported back and dried. During the drying process, use high temperature first and then cool down, turn over and pile them up to "sweat", then bake until completely dry, and rub off the remaining stems and fibrous roots. High-quality products should be large, thick, firm and have a strong aroma. Generally, 300-400 kg of dry goods are produced per 667 square meters, with a dry rate of about 30%.

The above is an introduction to the planting, cultivation and management methods of Atractylodes macrocephala. Planting Atractylodes macrocephala cannot be done blindly. Not all land conditions are suitable for planting Atractylodes macrocephala. In addition, sales channels are also very critical.