Astragalus membranaceus is a widely cultivated medicinal plant known for its high yield and valuable properties. The base produces 5,000 kg of seeds annually, with a germination rate of 80%. The seeds are pure and of high quality. The root is the main medicinal part, yielding 200 kg per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), with a market price of 13 yuan per kg. Seed production reaches 40 kg per mu, selling at 60 yuan per kg. About 20 tons of seedlings are grown across 50 acres. Astragalus has multiple therapeutic effects, including clearing heat, reducing dampness, detoxifying, stopping bleeding, and easing labor. It is used to treat conditions like fever, flu, red eyes, swelling, vomiting, blood stasis, coughs, hepatitis, jaundice, hypertension, headaches, enteritis, dysentery, fetal movement, ulcers, burns, and scarlet fever. It also serves as a key ingredient in pharmaceutical products such as "Huanglian Oral Liquid." Planting techniques are available, and custom sizes can be arranged.
Ecologically, Astragalus thrives in cool, semi-humid to semi-arid environments, typically found in mountainous grasslands or plateau areas. It prefers full sunlight and has strong cold resistance. In temperate regions, it grows on sunny slopes or highland grasslands between 600–1500 meters above sea level. The ideal climate includes annual solar radiation of 110–135 kcal/cm², an average temperature of -4–8°C, with survival possible down to -35°C in winter and up to 35°C in summer. Annual rainfall should be around 400–600 mm. Soil should be neutral or slightly acidic with good humus content, and well-drained loamy soil is preferred. Poor drainage or waterlogging should be avoided.
Propagation methods include sowing and rooting. For sowing, collect seeds during July to October when fruits turn light brown. Seeds should be harvested promptly, dried, and cleaned. Storage under room temperature reduces viability over time, but some studies show that seeds can retain 70% germination after three years if stored properly. Germination occurs best at 15–30°C, with spring or autumn sowing recommended. Sow 1 kg per mu, keeping the soil moist. Thin seedlings to maintain spacing of 8–12 cm. Transplanting can also be done for better yields.
Root propagation is another method, especially useful for shortening cultivation cycles. Three-year-old roots can be split into pieces with buds and planted. Treatments with rooting powders like ABT improve survival rates. Cuttings from stem tips have a survival rate of over 95%, while base cuttings have lower rates. Optimal cutting periods are before mid-June in Beijing. Cut stems 8–10 cm long, remove lower leaves, and plant them in shaded conditions. Keep soil moist without overwatering to prevent rot.
Field management involves maintaining moisture during seedling stages, weeding, and proper spacing. Transplant seedlings 6–8 cm tall, with planting distances of 25–30 cm. Fertilize with superphosphate and ammonium sulfate, or organic alternatives like composted manure. Monitor for diseases like leaf blight and root rot, using fungicides and ensuring good drainage. Pest control measures help manage infestations by insects like Prochoreutis sp.
Harvesting occurs after 2–3 years when stems and leaves yellow. Dig roots carefully, clean, and dry them partially before further processing. Avoid excessive sun exposure, which may cause discoloration. Dried roots meet quality standards, with two grades based on size and appearance. Processing yields about 150–280 kg of crude drug per mu. Proper harvesting times, such as late autumn, ensure maximum yield and active compound levels, such as flavonoids.
Research shows that applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers significantly increases yield and root quality. Asexual propagation methods, such as cuttings, enhance both yield and active ingredient concentration, surpassing traditional methods. These findings highlight the importance of optimized cultivation practices for maximizing the economic and medicinal value of Astragalus membranaceus.
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