Zucchini, also known as the gourd or small melon, is a variety of the gourd family. It is highly productive, with high-yielding varieties capable of producing over 3,500 kg per acre. Cultivating zucchini in open fields is not only labor-efficient but also cost-effective, making it a popular choice among mountain farmers.
1. **Selecting Sowing Date and Variety**
Zucchini is a heat-loving vegetable that thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. To ensure healthy growth, spring planting should begin between late February and late March. Recommended high-yield varieties include Guanshao No. 2, Guanhua, and Jiangxin No. 4 zucchinis, which are well-suited for local conditions.
2. **Choosing the Site and Soil Preparation**
Zucchini is prone to soil-borne diseases, so crop rotation is essential. The plant requires a lot of nutrients and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It’s best planted in deep, loose soil with good irrigation. For optimal results, prepare raised beds with a width of 1.2 meters, a ridge height of 35–40 cm, and a spacing of 0.4 meters. Before planting, apply 1,000–1,500 kg of compost and 30 kg of superphosphate per mu (approximately 667 square meters).
3. **Germination and Sowing**
Before sowing, soak seeds in clean water at 30°C for 4–6 hours, then dry them and place them in a warm environment (around 30°C) until the sprouts reach 0.5–1 cm in length. For efficient management, use double-row planting with a spacing of 80 cm between rows and 50–60 cm between plants. Sow 2–3 seeds per hole, and after sowing, cover the seeds with loose soil. Water the area with 500–600 kg of diluted human manure and urine per mu before planting.
4. **Field Management**
- **Pre-emergence care**: Keep the soil moist before seedlings emerge to support strong growth, but avoid waterlogging.
- **Seedling care**: After germination, apply 1,000 kg of 5% human waste water or 3–5 kg of compound fertilizer leachate to promote healthy development.
- **Thinning and weeding**: When the plants have 4–5 true leaves, thin out weak or diseased seedlings, leaving only one strong plant per hole.
- **Vine training**: When vines reach 30 cm, guide them along bamboo supports. Remove side shoots early to focus energy on main vines, which contribute over 70% of the total yield.
5. **Fertilizer and Water Management**
- Apply top-dressing after seedlings appear using 1,000 kg of 10% human waste water or 4–6 kg of compound fertilizer leachate. Add 35 kg of compound fertilizer before vine growth, and repeat after 2–3 harvests with 30 kg of compound fertilizer and 5 kg of potash.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. However, avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage after rain.
6. **Pest and Disease Control**
- **Diseases**: Use 75% chlorothalonil (800 times dilution) for anthracnose, 20% triadimefon (2,000 times) for powdery mildew, and 64% mancozeb (500–800 times) for other fungal infections.
- **Pests**: Control aphids with 1,000 times buprofezin solution, fruit flies with 48% lufenuron (1,000 times), and leaf miners with 50% acephate (1,000 times). Fleas can be managed with 73% chlorfenapyr (2,000 times) or 20% triclosan (1,500 times).
By following these steps, farmers can achieve higher yields while maintaining the health of their crops and reducing environmental impact. This comprehensive approach ensures both economic benefits and sustainable agricultural practices.
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