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Reasons and Countermeasures of Production Cut in Putian
In recent years, some farmers have transformed rice fields into lotus root cultivation areas, achieving good economic returns. However, due to limited technology and other factors, the yield has been gradually decreasing. Theoretically, a mu of paddy field can produce over 500 kilograms of lotus roots, but in practice, only 75-100 kilograms are typically harvested. This significant gap raises questions: why is the yield so low? What solutions can be implemented? The following analysis explores these issues.
First, improper fertilization is a major factor. When selecting paddy fields for lotus root planting, soil depth plays a crucial role. If the soil is too shallow or too deep, it hinders high yields. Poorly fertile soils with thin layers are not ideal for rapid lotus root growth, leading to slow development, delayed maturation, and small tubers. Additionally, most farmers do not use organic manure, relying instead on calcium superphosphate and ammonium bicarbonate alone. The lack of potassium and trace elements further reduces productivity. To improve this, farmers should plow the fields twice before planting and apply 1,000 kg of manure or 2,000-2,500 kg of compost. Adding 35-50 kg of superphosphate and 5-7.5 kg of potassium chloride can significantly boost yields by enriching the soil.
Second, continuous cropping without crop rotation leads to declining yields. In the second year, production peaks, but after that, it drops each year. It's recommended to rotate crops every three years. However, as lotus root cultivation expands, many farmers still use the "saturated planting" method without proper rotation. Even with good management and sufficient fertilizer, yields struggle to increase. Studies show that yields drop by 16.3% after three consecutive years and 45.5% after four years. Planting for 1-2 years with strong, healthy seedlings can increase yield by about 20%. Newly planted lotus roots, when properly managed and planted early, have minimal impact on late rice and offer a short-term rotational benefit.
Third, pests and diseases also contribute to lower yields. Common problems include lotus root rot, leaf spot, and damage from insects like lotus mites. These issues often occur between mid-May and mid-June. Prevention includes applying 75 kg of fresh lime per mu before planting, which helps control disease and provides calcium. Increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer improves plant resistance. Spraying 50% carbendazim at 600-800 times dilution or 50% thiophanate at 800-1000 times, every 7-10 days for 2-3 applications, is effective. For insect control, 25% emulsifiable concentrate can be used at 15 ml per mu during July and August.
Fourth, the decline in pollinating insects, especially bees, affects the seed setting rate of lotus roots. As chemical pesticides reduce bee populations, cross-pollination suffers, lowering seed production. Artificial pollination techniques can help. By manually transferring pollen from male to female flowers in the early morning, the seed setting rate can increase by 20-30%. This involves collecting fresh flowers, brushing pollen onto a clean brush, and gently applying it to the stigma of another flower while holding the stem. Each female flower is pollinated once, and after three days, the seed pod darkens, indicating successful pollination.
Finally, variety degradation is another issue. Over time, local varieties may lose quality, producing smaller tubers and weaker resistance. To prevent this, farmers should select high-quality seed roots each year—fresh, short, with dense internodes and three buds (one main, two lateral). Regular variety replacement with high-yield, disease-resistant types ensures better performance and sustainability.
By addressing these challenges through proper fertilization, crop rotation, pest control, pollination support, and variety management, farmers can significantly improve their lotus root yields and long-term profitability.