Xining City, located in the eastern part of Qinghai Province, lies on the upper reaches of the Youshui River, a tributary of the Yellow River. The city experiences a typical inland plateau climate, characterized by cold winters, cool summers, and mild springs and autumns. With an average annual temperature ranging from 3 to 6°C, Xining enjoys around 2,793 hours of annual sunshine and has a frost-free period of approximately 180 days. Annual rainfall varies between 450 and 820 mm. These favorable climatic conditions make Xining ideal for growing high-quality carrots.
Since 2005, the city has seen significant growth in carrot cultivation. The sown area reached 2,500 hectares, with an average yield of 5,500 kg per 667 square meters and a production value of about 2,000 yuan per 667 square meters. Local carrots are known for their high sugar content (6.96%) and rich carotene and other trace elements, making them the leading choice in domestic markets. Their popularity has led to exports to South Korea, Japan, and major cities like Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou.
To ensure high-yield and pollution-free carrot production in Xining, the following cultivation techniques are recommended:
1. **Soil Selection**
Choose sandy loam or loam that meets the standards of NY5010 for pollution-free vegetable production. The soil should be deep, loose, and well-drained to promote root development.
2. **Variety Selection**
Select varieties with good cold resistance, high yield, disease resistance, and commercial quality. Recommended varieties include New Kuroda Five-inch, Product Wax, Dahongding, and Quansheng.
3. **Soil Preparation and Fertilization**
- **Soil Preparation**: Deep plowing (20–30 cm) is essential. Two rounds of plowing help loosen the soil, improving root development. High ridges (40–50 cm apart, 15–20 cm high) are preferred over flat planting.
- **Fertilization**: Apply 3,000–5,000 kg of decomposed organic manure, 25 kg of compound fertilizer, and 2 kg of phoxim (to prevent pests) per 667 square meters.
4. **Seed Treatment**
Soak seeds in 50°C hot water for 25 minutes, then in warm water (15–25°C) for 4–5 hours. After germination, store at 0°C for 3–5 days to improve germination rates.
5. **Sowing**
Sow from late April to early May at a rate of 0.5–0.75 kg per 667 square meters. Mixing with fast-growing crops like Chinese cabbage, radish, and spinach can provide shade and aid seedling emergence.
6. **Field Management**
- **Weeding**: Regular hand weeding is crucial during the early growth stage. Chemical herbicides like high-efficiency straw can also be used.
- **Watering**: Maintain soil moisture at 60–70% during germination, then reduce watering when leaves reach 9–14. Water again when roots begin to expand.
- **Hilling**: Keep the shoulder of the carrot covered with soil but avoid burying the stem.
- **Fertilizing**: Apply topdressing twice: first with diammonium phosphate and potassium sulfate, and second with ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate.
7. **Pest and Disease Control**
- **Black Spot and Black Rot**: Use resistant varieties, rotate crops, and apply fungicides like chlorothalonil or acetamiprid.
- **Bacterial Soft Rot**: Plant on high ridges and remove diseased plants. Use neemectin or streptomycin sprays.
- **Mosaic Disease**: Prevent aphids and spray antiviral agents like viral rick.
- **Insects**: Use phoxim or cypermethrin to control underground pests and aphids.
8. **Harvesting and Storage**
Harvest when 80% of the outer leaves turn yellow and the roots are fully developed, typically from early September to late October. Store at 1°C with 90–95% humidity for up to 5–6 months.
This comprehensive approach ensures high-quality, sustainable carrot production in Xining, meeting both domestic and international market demands.
Author: Qinghai Xining Agricultural Technology Promotion Station
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