Scientific Fertilization Techniques for Lotus Root

      Lotus root is mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and is one of the aquatic vegetable varieties with the largest planting area and the highest economic value.
      The growth and development process of lotus root goes through three stages. The first stage is from the sprouting of the seed lotus root to the emergence of the upright leaves, which is the sprouting and growing period. The nutrients required for growth mainly rely on the supply of the seed lotus root. Therefore, it is necessary to select plump and strong lotus root seeds. The second stage is from the emergence of the upright leaves of the plant to the appearance of the rear large leaves, which is the vigorous growth period and also the peak period for the formation and accumulation of the plant's nutrients. The third stage is from after the peak of flowering to the swelling and plumping of the lotus root, which is the lotus root formation period. Approximately 5 days after the appearance of the terminal leaf, one section of the lotus root grows. It takes about 20 days from the beginning of lotus root formation to the full swelling of the lotus root.
      Scientific and reasonable fertilization is the basis for high-quality and high-yield lotus root. According to the data, the average ratio of the absorption amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrients by lotus root is approximately 1:0.25:2. Taking into comprehensive consideration the utilization rate of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the current season and the fertilizer supply capacity of the soil, it is recommended that the application ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for lotus root be 1:0.33:1. The absorption capacity of the roots of lotus root for fertilizers is relatively weak, but the demand for fertilizers is relatively large. Under the condition of an annual output of 1,500-2,000 kilograms of fresh lotus root per mu, it is necessary to apply 20-25 kilograms of nitrogen per mu, 7-10 kilograms of phosphorus per mu and 20 kilograms of potassium per mu. All the phosphorus fertilizers, 50% of the nitrogen fertilizers and 70% of the potassium fertilizers should be applied as base fertilizers together with organic fertilizers. The remaining nitrogen fertilizers should be topdressed in two times, and 30% of the potassium fertilizers should be applied together with the second topdressing of nitrogen fertilizers.
      Hubei Yishizhuang Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise and a demonstration designated enterprise for soil testing and formula fertilization by the Ministry of Agriculture. In view of the growth characteristics of lotus root and the soil conditions in the lotus root planting production areas, it has successfully developed Yishizhuang 42% (18-8-16) formula fertilizer for lotus root, which has the following characteristics:

   I. Product Characteristics of Yishizhuang Lotus Root Formula Fertilizer

1. Scientific formulation according to the nutrient demand law for high yield and good quality of lotus root. The lotus root formula fertilizer has comprehensive nutrients. It adopts a formula with high nitrogen and high potassium, and specially supplements medium and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc. The effects of increasing yield and improving quality are obvious.

2. This product is added with high-quality potassium humate, which can effectively improve the soil properties, balance the pH value, activate soil nutrients, promote the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, inhibit the invasion of pathogens, reduce harmful substances, and create a good environment for the growth of lotus root.

3. This product is added with a long-acting slow-release agent. The fertilizer effect is long-lasting, the fertilizer supply is stable. It can reduce the number of topdressing times, save fertilizer, improve the utilization rate of fertilizers, save labor, and increase production and efficiency.

4. After using this product, the lotus root seedlings are strong, the stems are thick, the leaves are dark in color and large in size, the root system is developed, the tubers are thick and strong, it has resistance to continuous cropping, fewer diseases, high yield and good quality. It is an ideal special fertilizer for the cultivation of high-yield, high-quality and high-efficiency lotus root.

   II. Application Amount and Method of Yishizhuang Lotus Root Formula Fertilizer

1. Base Fertilizer: In general high-yielding fields, apply 100-120 kilograms of lotus root formula fertilizer per mu (667 m²) as the base fertilizer. Evenly spread it before planting lotus root in the prepared field, and then mix it with the soil layer of 20-125 centimeters.

2. Topdressing: Topdress according to the growth of the seedlings before the closure of the rows (in the early stage of lotus root formation). Apply 20-30 kilograms of lotus root formula fertilizer per mu (667 m²), and evenly spread it across the field.

3. The amount of fertilizer application can be adjusted according to the yield level.