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Buckwheat is a crop that thrives in warm and cool conditions, but it is sensitive to frost. Sowing too early or too late can significantly impact the yield. In our province, the ideal sowing time for buckwheat in the southern region of the Yangtze River is around mid-August, while the Huaihe area also benefits from sowing during this period.
Choosing the right variety is crucial. It is recommended to use high-yield buckwheat varieties with a growth cycle of 70–80 days, such as Sweet Glutinous Rice No. 1, Sweet Glutinous Rice No. 2, and Small Red Flower Bitter Buckwheat. Using fresh seeds harvested in the same year is best to ensure good germination and strong growth.
Before planting, seed treatment is essential. Soak the seeds for 2–3 days, then place them in warm water at 40°C for 10–15 minutes. This helps remove floating pests and weak seeds. In areas with serious pest problems, you can apply pesticide treatments. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in warm water for 1–2 days and plant them immediately once they begin to sprout.
Land preparation is another important step. Buckwheat has weak root development and requires well-prepared soil. Make sure the field is thoroughly tilled and leveled to promote healthy growth.
Fertilization plays a key role in increasing yield. Although buckwheat is resilient, applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can greatly improve production. Apply 3–5 kg of diammonium phosphate per mu during sowing, along with some organic fertilizer. Be careful to keep the fertilizer away from the seeds to avoid burning.
Sowing methods vary, including broadcasting, spot sowing, and drilling. Broadcasting can be done either by first preparing the land and then seeding, or by first seeding and then granulating. Spot sowing typically involves placing 10–15 seeds per hole, with 5,000–6,000 holes per acre. The depth of sowing should be about 3–4 cm, and the seeding rate is usually 2.5–3 kg per mu.
Field management is essential for successful buckwheat cultivation. Keep the field free of weeds and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. During dry periods, irrigation is necessary to keep the soil moist. Weeding should be done regularly, especially after rain, and two rounds of weeding are recommended when the plants reach 6–8 cm in height and before flowering. Fertilize again during the flowering and fruiting stages using a mixture of urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Artificial pollination can also help increase yield, as natural pollination rates are low. You can gently shake the plants or use bees for better pollination. Lastly, monitor for pests and diseases, and use low-toxic pesticides when needed.
Harvesting should occur before the first frost. When about 70% of the grains turn dark brown, it’s time to harvest. Cut the plants and tie them together, then hang them indoors to dry completely before storage.