How to grow lotus root to achieve high yield?

Lotus root is a perennial aquatic herb with stems growing in the mud and leaves floating on the water, forming a unique landscape. Lotus root is the nutritional organ of lotus root and also its edible part. So how can we grow lotus root to achieve high yield?

1. Choose lotus root tips

When choosing lotus root tips, avoid those that have been picked for a long time, and choose lotus root tips whose fibers have not yet aged and are sufficient in moisture. Deep-water lotus roots are mostly medium-to-late maturing varieties, suitable for pond cultivation. Market demand and variety characteristics should be considered during planting.

2. Planting at the right time

Lotus root seeds should not be kept for a long time after selection. They need to be processed before planting and stirred evenly with medicine to enhance disease resistance. Dig a hole in the soil for planting. Adjust the size and depth of the hole according to the size of the lotus bud. Make sure the tail of the lotus root is exposed from the soil and one end of the lotus bud is tilted downwards and buried.

3. Reasonable density of planting

The planting density of lotus roots affects the maturity and yield. Appropriate density planting helps to increase early maturity and yield. The recommended row spacing for early-maturing varieties is 2-2.5 meters, the hole spacing is about 1 meter, 400-450 kilograms of seed lotus roots are used per mu, and the planting density should be two meters.

4. Water and fertilizer management

The principle of fertilizing lotus roots is to apply less fertilizer during the floating leaf stage, apply fertilizer frequently but not too much during the erect leaf stage, and apply more fertilizer during the flowering and fruiting stage. When applying fertilizer, avoid contact between the fertilizer and the lotus leaves and place it directly into the water in the center of the pot. Do not rush to water in the early stage of planting. Add water appropriately when the soil is slightly dry. After the lotus buds combine with the silt, apply fertilizer appropriately and the water level should be slightly higher than the mud level.

5. Lighting requirements

Lotus root likes light and needs sufficient light during the growing period, which is beneficial to the growth of stems and leaves and the development of flowers and fruits. Adequate sunlight is essential for the growth of lotus root buds. After planting, they should be placed in the sun to ensure temperature and light.

6. Continuous cultivation

When planting lotus roots, sparse planting can be used to improve quality, avoid continuous planting, and adopt a rotation method. After planting in a pond for one or two years, leave it fallow for two years to reduce residual pathogens and increase yield.

Lotus roots are widely planted throughout my country, with the largest areas in the Yangtze River Basin and the Huanghuai River Basin. Lotus root is a pollution-free vegetable with no pollution or pesticide residue. It has a short growth cycle, taking only 100-110 days from planting to harvest. Planting lotus root is simple, time-saving, high-yielding and has significant economic benefits. Through scientific planting, rich rewards can be obtained.