Vegetable production is a highly systematic work, covering multiple links from seedling raising to field management, and is highly technical. In this complex process, any one of these processes, if not properly managed, can become a key factor in a good yield, like the shortest plank on a bucket. In daily management, vegetable farmers usually pay more attention to seedling quality, post-planting temperature, water and fertilizer management, but seemingly small problems such as vegetable planting depth are often overlooked. In fact, the planting depth of vegetables not only affects the growth rate of vegetables, and thus affects the time of harvesting and marketing, but also directly related to the growth and yield level of plants. In order to ensure a high yield and a good harvest, vegetable farmers have to wade through the rivers of water and fertilizer management and pest control, and maintain a balance in the small streams where vegetables are planted.
Next, we will introduce some of the key points in the depth of vegetable planting, which can be summarized as "three looks" in short:
Look at the type of vegetables.
In the process of colonizing vegetables, the first thing to consider is the type of vegetables. For example, there is a clear difference between eggplant and cucumber, the root group of eggplant is relatively small and the crown width of the plant is large, so it is suitable for deep planting, which can not only prevent lodging during the peak fruit period, but also enhance the ability of the root system to absorb water and nutrients. However, cucumber has relatively weak root stretching ability and high requirements for soil air permeability, so it is suitable for shallow planting. For vegetables with strong rooting ability, such as tomatoes, although appropriate deep planting will affect the growth of the plant in a short time, it can improve the absorption capacity of the roots by growing new roots in a humid environment, laying a solid foundation for a good yield.
Look at the cultivation season.
The cultivation season has a direct impact on the growth status and absorption and transport function of vegetable roots. The temperature of the soil is closely related to the root activity of vegetables. In spring, the ground temperature is low, and the soil temperature rises slower than the air temperature, so it is necessary to plant shallowly in the planting process to make the distribution of the main root groups closer to the shallow soil layer with relatively high ground temperature. On the contrary, in summer, high temperature will inhibit the activity of the root system, and appropriate deep planting is required to reduce the excess respiration of the root system and prolong the functional period.
Look at the condition of the soil.
The growth of vegetable roots and the ability to absorb water and mineral nutrients are closely related to soil air permeability. Soil with good air permeability can provide more oxygen, which helps the root system to breathe more smoothly. Therefore, in the case of poor soil permeability, shallow planting should be appropriate to avoid the problem of rooting due to insufficient oxygen**.
In actual production, if the soil is clay heavy, the organic matter content is low, and the air permeability is poor, it should be planted shallowly to keep the substrate surface consistent with the cultivation surface. In the soil with good air permeability, appropriate deep planting can be carried out according to factors such as the season and the characteristics of the vegetable root system.
Vegetable production is like a boat in the rivers and lakes, and the water flows for a long time. Through the small stream of "three looks", vegetable farmers can better adjust the planting depth of vegetables, ensure that each vegetable can thrive in a good growth environment, and lay a solid foundation for spring ploughing and harvest.
Spring ploughing in progress