When it comes to the herb Sophora root, perhaps not many people know about it. Sophora root is the dried mature seed of the leguminous plant Sophora flavescens, also known as Ku Shen. So how is Sophora root cultivated? What are the cultivation management techniques for Sophora root?
I. Cultivation Range of Sophora Root
It is widely distributed in various provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River in China. It is originally from tropical regions in the Americas and is now widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
II. Cultivation Techniques for Sophora Root
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
It is preferable to choose flat land with good irrigation and drainage conditions or sunny slopes. Avoid continuous cropping. Apply 2000 kg of farmyard manure per mu (about 0.07 hectares), and add 60 kg of superphosphate as base fertilizer. Deeply plow the soil, level it with a fine rake, and make 1.3-meter-wide flat ridges.
2. Seeding Techniques
In mid to late April, select full and healthy seeds without insect damage. Soak the seeds in warm water at 50°C for 24 hours, then remove and let them dry slightly. Plant the seeds in rows with a spacing of 60 cm and a depth of 5-7 cm. After sowing, cover the seeds with 3 cm of soil, lightly press, and water. The seeds will germinate in 10-15 days. Use 2 kg of seeds per mu. Using plastic film to cover the soil during sowing can significantly increase the yield and quality of Sophora root.
3. Cultivation Management Techniques for Sophora Root
Thinning and transplanting: When the seedlings reach a height of about 5 cm, thin them out. When the seedlings reach a height of 15 cm, transplant them with a spacing of 30-40 cm. Weeding: Weed regularly from emergence to before the rows close. Cultivate the soil after rain to prevent soil compaction, and pay attention to shallow hoeing between plants and deep hoeing between rows. Final cultivation: When the seedlings reach a height of about 40 cm, perform the final cultivation and apply topsoil to prevent lodging. Fertilization: Before the rows close, apply topdressing fertilizer 1-2 times, using 1000 kg of farmyard manure per mu and 15 kg of urea, and water immediately after application. Irrigation and drainage: Keep the soil moist throughout the entire growth period, especially during the flowering period, water should be applied timely in case of drought, and drainage should be taken into account during the rainy season. Disease and pest control: Spray pesticides according to plant protection measures to kill pests and diseases.
