Cabbage, corn, and leeks can be intercropped to maximize land use and significantly boost economic returns. This method not only optimizes space but also enhances soil fertility and reduces pest problems through natural crop diversity.
For cabbage planting, seeds are sown in January. A recommended rate is 50 grams per acre. 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 on the surface and covered with a thin layer of sand (about 0.5 cm). Plastic film and straw are used to cover the bed, creating a small arch structure to maintain warmth. During the first three leaf stages, it's important to control seedling growth. The daytime temperature should be kept between 20–30°C, while nighttime temperatures should not drop below 2°C. The soil must remain moist without cracking. After the third leaf stage, the temperature should be gradually increased, and watering should be controlled to prevent early bolting. Daytime temperatures should stay around 20–25°C, and nighttime temperatures should not fall below 10°C. Ten days before transplanting, the seedlings should be ventilated to harden them off. Cabbage is usually transplanted at the end of March or beginning of April. Three rows of ridges are set up, with three lines of cabbage planted within a 1-meter width. The row spacing is 40 cm, and plant spacing is 30 cm, resulting in about 2,800 plants per acre. After transplanting, a small arch shelter is placed over the seedlings, and water is applied immediately to help them establish. A total of three waterings are done throughout the growing season. In the early heading stage, 15 kg of urea per acre is applied along with irrigation. To control cabbage caterpillars, 40% dimethoate EC is sprayed twice. Harvesting typically occurs in mid-May.
Corn is sown in the spaces between cabbage rows in late April, with 3,500–4,000 stalks per mu. For fertilization, 1,500 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer, 25–30 kg of ammonium bicarbonate, 30–40 kg of superphosphate, 10 kg of potassium nitrate, and 1–1.5 kg of zinc fertilizer are applied per acre. Timely thinning, weeding, and proper field management are essential. During the growing period, 50–75 kg of ammonium bicarbonate is applied. About 60–70% of the fertilizer is applied during the jointing stage, and 30–40% during the big bellmouth stage. Corn is harvested from mid-August to early September.
Amaranth is best grown in loose, nutrient-rich soil. A seedbed is prepared using 2,000 kg of organic fertilizer per acre. After tilling, the beds are made 1.2 meters wide and 10–15 meters long. Sowing takes place before and after March 20, with 300 grams of seeds per acre. Watering should be avoided immediately after emergence to prevent soil compaction and maintain optimal ground temperature. When the seedlings reach about 5 cm in height, they are thinned out, keeping a spacing of approximately 3 cm between plants. Weeding is done regularly. In mid-June, after the cabbage harvest, leeks are transplanted into six rows per bed, with a spacing of 5 cm between rows and 12 cm between plants. The planting depth should be sufficient to cover the small bulbs. Before planting, 4,000–5,000 kg of organic fertilizer per acre is incorporated into the soil. Throughout the growing season, top dressing combined with irrigation helps promote the growth of the pseudo stem. Leeks are ready for harvest in early November.
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