During the peak summer heat, which is a crucial time for cultivating Astragalus, effective management practices are essential to ensure healthy growth and high yields. Here's a detailed summary of Huang Xia’s midsummer cultivation techniques:
First, controlling water temperature is vital. When the water temperature exceeds 28°C, the feeding activity of Astragalus membranaceus declines significantly, leading to stunted growth. In Dianchi Lake, where water levels tend to be shallow during hot seasons, the water temperature can easily rise beyond this threshold. To manage this, several strategies are recommended: first, planting or introducing aquatic plants like white peony, water hyacinth, or duckweed, but keeping their coverage under one-third of the pond area. Second, using shade structures by growing climbing plants such as loofah, cucumbers, or lentils, covering about two-thirds of the pond surface. Third, regularly changing the water to maintain a stable temperature. It's best to change the water daily, replacing about one-fourth to one-third of the total volume, while keeping the water level between 20 to 25 cm.
Second, maintaining good water quality is essential. The water in Dianchi Lake should be rich, clear, and cool, with a light brown or tender green color, a transparency of around 25 cm, and dissolved oxygen levels above 4 mg/l. Due to the shallow nature of the ponds, organic fertilizers are generally avoided to prevent water pollution.
Third, proper feeding is crucial. Astragalus thrives on live food such as cockroaches, fly larvae, snails, and small fish. Plant-based feeds like bran and melon rinds can also be added. Feeding is typically done in the evening, though it can be slightly delayed if needed. The feeding amount should be 6% to 8% of the pond biomass, and all fresh feed must be cleaned and sterilized before being introduced.
Fourth, daily monitoring and maintenance are necessary. Regular checks of the inlet and outlet nets are important to detect and repair any damage promptly. Preventing rainwater from entering the pond and managing water flow to avoid overflow is key. Additionally, protecting the pond from predators like birds, snakes, and rodents, as well as avoiding pesticide contamination, is critical.
Lastly, disease prevention plays a major role in successful cultivation. One common issue is fever, caused by overcrowding and mucus buildup, which lowers dissolved oxygen levels and causes stress among the fish. To control this, reduce stocking density and immediately replace the water when symptoms appear. Another condition, known as coma disease, often occurs during hot weather. The treatment involves cooling the fish and sprinkling fresh clam meat into the pond, which has shown some effectiveness.
By implementing these comprehensive strategies, farmers can effectively manage Astragalus cultivation during the challenging midsummer period, ensuring better health, growth, and productivity of the fish.
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