**"Seminar on Cultivation of Chinese Medicinal Materials" Expert Series Lecture 5**
*Achyranthes bidentata*, commonly known as *Niuxi*, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that thrives in areas near homes, forest edges, and on hillside grasslands. It prefers warm and dry climates and cannot tolerate temperatures below -17°C. It should not be planted in clay or alkaline soils, as it is sensitive to continuous cropping. The growth cycle of *Achyranthes* can be divided into four stages: the seedling stage (from emergence to a height of 15–20 cm, typically in July), the vegetative growth period (rapid above-ground growth, August), the root expansion phase (slow shoot growth but rapid root development, September–October), and the mature harvest stage (when the plant withers, around November).
**Cultivation Techniques**
First, site selection and preparation are crucial. *Achyranthes* is a deep-rooted crop, so it requires well-drained sandy loam soil that is deep, loose, and fertile with a low water table. Before planting, the soil should be deeply tilled to a depth of more than 60 cm. Apply 3,000 kg of well-rotted manure, 50 kg of superphosphate, and 50 kg of rapeseed per acre. Mix these fertilizers thoroughly and spread them evenly over the topsoil for several days before plowing again. Create raised beds that are 1.3 meters wide, with furrows 40 cm wide and deeper drainage channels around the field.
For propagation, seed sowing is the most common method, usually carried out in early July. Sowing too early may result in weak roots and poor quality herbs, while sowing too late reduces yield. Before sowing, soak the seeds in 20°C warm water for 12 hours, then dry them. Mix the seeds with ash, human urine, and animal manure, and sow them on the surface of the raised bed. Gently rub the soil with a hoe to ensure the seeds are covered, then add a thin layer of fine soil (1–1.5 cm thick) and finally sprinkle a light layer of chaff to aid germination. The recommended seeding rate is 500–750 grams per acre. Avoid sowing after May, as this may lead to flowering rather than root development, making the herb unsuitable for medicinal use. Seeds are categorized into autumn seeds, autumn vine seeds, and vinegar seeds. Autumn seeds (Qiu Zi) are considered the best, while vinegar seeds are the least desirable.
**Field Management**
Seedlings typically emerge within 5 days of sowing. In the early stages, the seedlings are weak, so timely watering is essential during dry periods to protect them. When the seedlings reach 5–6 cm in height, perform the first thinning, removing weak plants and keeping only strong ones at 6–7 cm apart. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm, thin them again according to a spacing of 15 cm by 15 cm. If there are gaps, transplant seedlings on cloudy days. Weeding is usually done 3–4 times throughout the growing season. After the seedlings have emerged, the first weeding is performed, followed by a light application of diluted manure and ash. The second weeding occurs after the plants have fully emerged, combined with top-dressing using 1,000 kg of organic fertilizer, 5 kg of urea, and 10–15 kg of potassium nitrate.
During the budding stage, remove the top inflorescences in batches to redirect nutrients to the roots. From the seedling stage until early August, irrigation should be controlled to encourage the development of the main root. After August, when the main root stops elongating, increase irrigation to help the roots become firm. After heavy rains, drain excess water promptly to prevent root rot. Proper management during these critical growth phases ensures high-quality medicinal material and optimal yields.
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