Astragalus, scientifically known as *Astragalus membranaceus*, is a member of the legume family and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to tonify qi (vital energy), strengthen the exterior, promote diuresis, reduce swelling, and detoxify. It's a valuable medicinal herb that requires careful cultivation to ensure high-quality yield.
(1) **Land Preparation**
Astragalus thrives in cool, dry conditions and is sensitive to excessive moisture and high temperatures. The plant develops a deep taproot, so it’s best grown in well-drained, loamy soil that receives plenty of sunlight. Before planting, the field should be prepared by incorporating 3000–4000 kg of well-rotted manure and 25–30 kg of phosphate fertilizer. After leveling the ground, ridges are formed with a width of 40–45 cm, a height of 15–20 cm, and spacing between ridges of 40–45 cm to allow for proper root development and air circulation.
(2) **Seed Treatment**
The hard seed coat of Astragalus can make germination slow, so pre-treatment is essential. One effective method is to soak the seeds in warm water at 50°C, stirring until the water cools down, and then leaving them to soak for 24 hours. Afterward, place the seeds on a damp cloth or towel and cover them to encourage germination. Another technique involves rubbing the seeds with twice their volume of river sand to break the seed coat, which speeds up germination. Alternatively, soaking the seeds in 70–80% sulfuric acid for 3–5 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing in running water, can also improve germination rates. Once treated, the seeds should be dried before sowing, ensuring a germination rate of over 90%.
(3) **Sowing**
The ideal temperature for germination is 14–15°C. Sowing is typically done in early spring (March–April) or mid-autumn (October). Seeds are sown in shallow furrows about 1.5–2 cm deep, spaced evenly along the ridge. After covering the seeds with soil, the furrows are immediately irrigated to maintain moisture. Seedlings usually emerge within 15 days. While transplanting is an option, it tends to increase disease incidence and may result in less uniform root development compared to direct sowing on ridges.
For transplanting, seedlings are planted at intervals of 20–40 cm, with furrows dug to a depth of 10–15 cm. Approximately 15,000 mu (acres) of land are commonly used for such planting.
(4) **Cultivation and Management**
After the seedlings reach a height of 5–7 cm, thinning is necessary to maintain a spacing of 10–15 cm between plants. This ensures adequate growth and reduces competition for nutrients and water. Weeding should be done promptly after emergence, and the soil around the ridges should be loosened regularly to maintain good drainage and prevent compaction. Typically, weeding is performed 2–3 times during the growing season.
Top dressing is important for healthy growth. After the first thinning, apply 1500 kg of manure compost or 5 kg of urea per acre. In mid to late June, after weeding and cultivation, a mixture of 1000 kg of compost, 30 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 5 kg of ammonium sulfate is applied to the ridges, followed by watering to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
Pest and disease control is crucial. Common diseases include powdery mildew, which can be controlled by spraying a 50% thiophanate-methyl solution diluted 1000 times. Purple blight, which affects the roots and causes rot, can lead to complete plant death. Infected plants should be removed immediately, and the affected area should be disinfected with lime powder. Additional pest control measures should also be implemented to protect the crop.
(5) **Harvesting and Processing**
Astragalus is typically harvested after 2–3 years of growth. The best time to harvest is in the fall, from September to November, or in early spring before new growth begins. Due to the deep taproot, harvesting must be done carefully to avoid damaging the main root or bruising the skin. After digging, the roots are cleaned of soil, trimmed, and partially dried. They are then bundled straight and fully dried, either in the sun or using artificial drying methods, to preserve their quality and medicinal properties.
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