Cabbage, corn, and leeks can be intercropped to maximize land use and significantly improve economic returns. This method not only optimizes space but also enhances soil fertility and reduces pest problems.
For the cabbage planting, seeds are sown in January. Each acre requires 50 grams of seeds. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water (20–30°C) for 2–3 hours, then germinate them at 20–25°C for two days. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they are sown in the field with a thin layer of sand (0.5 cm) covering them. After sowing, plastic film and straw are placed over the bed in a small arch structure. During the first three leaves stage, seedlings should be protected from excessive growth. Maintain daytime temperatures between 20–30°C and nighttime temperatures above 2°C. Keep the soil moist and avoid cracking. After the third leaf stage, ensure proper warmth and moisture to prevent premature bolting. Daytime temperature should remain at 20–25°C, and nighttime temperature should not drop below 10°C. Ten days before transplanting, ventilate the seedlings. Cabbage is usually transplanted at the end of March or early April. Three rows per ridge are planted, with three lines of cabbage within a 1-meter width. The row spacing is 40 cm, and plant spacing is 30 cm. A total of 2800 plants per acre are planted. After planting, a small arch shelter is installed, and seedlings are watered immediately to help them establish. A total of three waterings are applied during this phase. In the early head formation stage, 15 kg of urea per acre is applied along with irrigation. To control cabbage caterpillars, 40% dimethoate EC is used twice. Harvesting takes place in mid-May.
Corn is sown in the spaces between the cabbage rows in late April, with 3,500–4,000 stalks per mu. Base fertilizer includes 1500 kg of decomposed organic manure, 25–30 kg of ammonium bicarbonate, 30–40 kg of superphosphate, 10 kg of potassium nitrate, and 1–1.5 kg of zinc fertilizer per acre. Timely seedling management and weeding are essential. During the growing season, 50–75 kg of ammonium bicarbonate is applied, with 60–70% of the fertilizer applied at the jointing stage and 30–40% at the big bellmouth stage. Corn is harvested from mid-August to early September.
Amaranth is grown in well-fertilized, loose soil. Prepare the seedbed by applying 2000 kg of organic fertilizer per acre. After cultivating the soil, make ridges that are 1.2 meters wide and 10–15 meters long. Sow seeds between March 15 and 25, using 300 grams per acre. Avoid watering immediately after emergence to prevent soil compaction and maintain ground temperature. When seedlings reach 5 cm in height, thin them out to keep a spacing of about 3 cm between plants, and perform timely weeding. In mid-June, after the cabbage is harvested, leeks are transplanted. Plant six rows per bed, with 5 cm between rows and 12 cm between plants. The planting depth should cover the small bulbs slightly. Before planting, apply 4000–5000 kg of organic fertilizer per acre. During the growing period, top-dress with fertilizer combined with watering to promote the growth of the pseudo stem. Leeks are harvested in early November.
Han Yuan red peppercorns
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