Rainy Season Green Manure Crop Management Guidelines

Broad beans and vetch are the main winter green manure crops. Currently, the temperature is gradually rising, accelerating the growth of green manure crops. Strengthening spring field management has a direct effect on increasing the amount of fresh grass returned to the soil and enhancing the nitrogen fixation effect of the root system.

1. Clean and Manage Ditches, Reduce Moisture and Protect Roots

During the rainy season, due to the rising temperatures and increased rainfall, the above-ground parts and root systems of green manure crops enter the peak growth period. To ensure the normal growth of green manure crops, it is necessary to strengthen field water management, with the following specific measures:

• Carefully clean the field ditches to lower the groundwater level, reduce root moisture, and prevent root diseases.
• Strengthen the maintenance of the drainage system to ensure that rainwater is quickly discharged, preventing waterlogging.

2. Differentiate Seedling Conditions and Apply Fertilizer Accordingly

Proper fertilization is key to increasing the biomass of green manure crops. Fertilization measures should be adjusted flexibly based on the crop growth conditions and soil fertility:

• After the spring begins, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer based on seedling conditions, with a recommended application of 7.5 to 10 kilograms of urea per acre.
• Pay attention to the crop growth status and soil fertility, avoiding over-fertilization that could cause excessive growth or nutritional deficiencies in the green manure crops.

3. Timely Turning and Pressing, Improving Quality of Turning

Turning and pressing back into the soil is a critical step in enhancing soil fertility with green manure crops. The correct timing and method of turning are crucial to improving the effectiveness of green manure:

• Turn and press the green manure crops 25 to 35 days before the next rice planting, preferably around the blooming to pod-setting stage of the green manure crop.
• It is recommended to use plowing, with a depth control of 15 to 20 centimeters, and a return grass amount of 1000 to 1500 kilograms per acre.
• Ensure that the green manure is in close contact with the soil, without gaps, achieving deep tillage and burial effects.
• Before turning, appropriately increase the application of nitrogen fertilizer to accelerate the decomposition process of the green manure.