Astragalus, also known as *Astragalus membranaceus*, is a leguminous plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to tonify the qi (vital energy), strengthen the exterior, promote diuresis, reduce swelling, and detoxify. It is a valuable medicinal herb that requires careful cultivation to ensure high-quality yield.
**Land Preparation**
Astragalus prefers cool, dry climates 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 ample sunlight. Before planting, the field should be deeply plowed and mixed with 3,000–4,000 kg of well-rotted manure and 25–30 kg of phosphate fertilizer. Raised beds are then created, 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.
**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 and stir until the water cools, then let them soak for 24 hours. Afterward, place the seeds on a damp cloth and cover them with a wet towel to encourage germination. Another option is to rub 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, which can exceed 90%.
**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 on the raised beds, spaced evenly and covered lightly with soil. Water the furrows immediately after sowing to maintain moisture. Seedlings usually emerge within 15 days. While transplanting is an alternative, it often leads to higher disease incidence and less desirable root shape compared to direct seeding on raised beds. Transplanting is commonly done in spring, with seedlings planted 20–40 cm apart in trenches 10–15 cm deep, using approximately 15,000 plants per mu.
**Cultivation and Management**
Once the seedlings reach 5–7 cm in height, thinning should be done to maintain a spacing of 10–15 cm between plants. Regular weeding is necessary after emergence, and the soil around the plants should be loosened to maintain good drainage. Weeding is usually done 2–3 times during the growing season.
Fertilization is crucial for healthy growth. After the seedlings have been thinned, apply 1,500 kg of well-rotted animal manure or 5 kg of urea per acre. In mid-June, after weeding, apply 1,000 kg of compost, 30 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 5 kg of ammonium sulfate to the ridges, then water the soil thoroughly.
**Pest and Disease Control**
Common diseases include powdery mildew, which can be controlled by spraying a 50% thiophanate-methyl solution diluted to 1,000 times. Another serious issue is purple spot disease, which affects the roots and causes rot, leading to plant death. Infected plants should be removed and the area treated with lime powder. Integrated pest management practices should also be implemented to prevent other potential pests.
**Harvesting and Processing**
Astragalus is typically harvested after 2–3 years of growth. The best time is in the fall (September–November) or before new growth begins in spring. Due to the deep taproot, careful digging is required to avoid damaging the main root or bruising the skin. After harvesting, the roots are cleaned of soil, trimmed, and partially dried. They are then bundled straight and fully dried, either in the sun or using a dryer, to preserve their medicinal properties.
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