After harvesting, it's essential to properly clean and prepare the bulbs for storage. Begin by removing any dirt, debris, and damaged or diseased bulbs. Spread the healthy bulbs on a tile floor for 12 to 15 days to allow them to dry thoroughly. Once dried, place them in earthenware pots or containers. It's important to ensure that the storage area is dry and well-ventilated—never use sealed or non-breathable containers. Each pot can hold approximately 80 to 100 kg of bulbs, and once filled, the container should be capped. However, during the initial storage phase, earthworms (or bulbs) have high respiration rates, so they should be left uncovered for proper air circulation to manage moisture levels. During rainy seasons, when humidity is high, the moisture content in the bulbs can increase rapidly, so it's crucial to cover the containers to prevent excess dampness. In contrast, during hot and humid weather, water evaporates quickly, so the containers should be sealed tightly to avoid drying out and potential rot. Regular inspections are necessary—check the stored bulbs every 25 to 30 days. Following this method, the freshness of alfalfa bulbs can be maintained for more than six months.
For fine sand storage, after harvesting, transfer the bulbs to a cool basement or shaded room. Construct a buried pit using bricks, and lay a 5–7 cm layer of sand at the bottom. Place the bulbs on top of the sand, then cover them with another 3–4 cm layer. Repeat this process, stacking the bulbs in layers, but make sure the total height of the stack doesn’t exceed 1 meter. This method is highly effective for long-term preservation.
Another method involves storing the bulbs in a sodium hypochlorite solution. After washing the bulbs, immerse them in the solution for preservation. According to testing, this technique can extend the storage life significantly. At temperatures between 0 and 2°C with a relative humidity of 98% to 100%, the bulbs can be preserved for up to 10 months. At 5°C or below, the storage period can last 6 to 8 months. This solution-based approach is especially useful for maintaining bulb quality over extended periods.
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