Astragalus, also known as the root of Camellia, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a root-based medicinal herb. It is propagated through seeds and is highly adaptable to various climates, showing strong resistance to drought and cold. It is important to avoid planting it in the same area repeatedly. In traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus is valued for its ability to reduce dampness, treat diarrhea, control bleeding, and manage other related conditions.
**First, Site Selection**
Choose a site with high fertility, loose soil, and no standing water or salinity. Deep plowing is essential, and it's recommended to apply approximately 5000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure or 100 kg of superphosphate per acre to enrich the soil.
**Second, Sowing and Cultivation**
1. **Seed Treatment**: Proper seed treatment is crucial for increasing germination rates. Soak the seeds in warm water at 40°C for 2-3 hours, then dry them. Seeds from plants aged 2-3 years have a higher germination rate.
2. **Sowing Time**: The best time to sow is between early May and late July. This allows the seedlings to survive the winter safely.
3. **Planting Methods**: Astragalus can be directly sown in the field or transplanted from a nursery. Direct sowing is generally more efficient than transplanting.
4. **Sowing Technique**: Create furrows spaced 24 cm apart and 2 cm deep. Distribute the seeds evenly in the furrow mixed with fine sand, cover with 1 cm of soil, and water after pressing down. Germination typically takes about 13 days. Use approximately 2 kg of seeds per mu, and transplant when the seedlings reach 10 cm in height.
5. **Field Management**: The period from emergence to the development of true leaves is critical, as this is when seedling mortality is highest. Keeping the soil consistently moist during this time ensures a high survival rate. Once the leaves develop, seedling mortality drops significantly. Regular weeding is essential, and when the seedlings are 7 cm tall, thin them out to maintain a spacing of 3 cm. Transplanting should be done within 10–15 days. If irrigation is available, water once a year to help the plants recover and regrow in the following season.
6. **Pest and Disease Control**: In case of root rot, remove the affected plants immediately and apply lime water for prevention. For leaf blight, use a 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture. To control pests like cutworms and earthworms, apply a 90% trichlorfon solution diluted 1500 times.
**Third, Harvesting**
The ideal time to harvest Astragalus is 3 to 5 years after transplanting. Harvest the roots in the fall before the ground freezes, after the above-ground parts have died back. Remove any remaining stems and soil, then dry the roots partially. Gently strike the outer skin to remove it, and continue drying until fully dry. High-quality Astragalus has a long, firm shape, smooth surface, and a bright yellow color.
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