Flue-cured tobacco sweet potato money and grain double harvest

In the Baishui Village, located in Xiaotang Town, Xinshao County, Hunan Province, farmers have adopted an innovative agricultural technique by intercropping sweet potatoes with flue-cured tobacco. This method involves planting sweet potatoes in tobacco fields for a period of 15 to 20 days, after which the sweet potato seedlings are introduced 20 to 25 days following the tobacco planting. This strategic timing significantly extends the growth period of sweet potatoes, allowing their roots to develop under more favorable temperature and light conditions. As autumn drought sets in, the sweet potato vines provide natural ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and improve drought resistance. The economic benefits of this intercropping system are notable. Flue-cured tobacco typically generates an income of 1,500 to 2,000 yuan per unit area, while sweet potato yields range from 3.5 to 4.0 tons. Compared to growing only tobacco, this method increases sweet potato production by over 500 kilograms. Additionally, the practice eliminates the need for plowing and weeding, thereby reducing labor costs and improving overall efficiency. For optimal results, sweet potato seedlings are selected carefully and cut between late May and early June. These seedlings are then interplanted among the flue-cured tobacco plants, which are spaced at 1.1 meters apart with a row width of 0.50 to 0.55 meters. Sweet potatoes are planted at intervals of 17 to 20 cm, with three plants placed between each pair of tobacco plants, resulting in approximately 3,300 to 3,600 plants per acre. Before planting, the soil is loosened using a steamed bun (a traditional tool), and healthy, disease-free seedlings are used. Prior to inserting the sweet potato slips, they are soaked in a solution of carbendazim (diluted 600–800 times) and biological potash fertilizer (diluted 150–200 times) for 8 to 10 minutes. This helps prevent diseases and promotes root development. Scientific fertilization plays a crucial role in this system. After all the tobacco leaves are harvested, the stems are cut and left in the field, while the roots remain to enrich the soil. Twenty-five days after sweet potato planting, the field is cultivated and weeds are removed, followed by the application of fertilizer. Fertilizer is applied 6 cm away from the tobacco rows, distributed evenly on both sides. The recommended dosage includes 750–1,000 kg of farmyard manure, 75–100 kg of specialized sweet potato fertilizer, and 15–20 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. Additional top-dressing and foliar fertilizers may be applied as needed to support plant growth. Field management is essential for success. Two days after planting, the sweet potatoes are watered to ensure survival. During the seedling stage, cultivation and weeding are carried out alongside fertilization. Due to frequent rainfall, proper drainage is important to avoid waterlogging. Applying fertilizer during cultivation improves soil aeration and enhances root development. Before the vines begin to spread (around 40–50 days after planting), a solution containing 200–250 mg/kg of paclobutrazol is sprayed on 50 kg of water to control above-ground growth and encourage underground root expansion. Additionally, 100 grams of borax dissolved in water is sprayed two or three times to enhance nutrient transport to the roots. Pest control is also critical. Farmers must monitor for diseases such as soft rot, black spot, small beetles, and the Spodoptera litura moth. Regular inspections and timely interventions help maintain crop health and maximize yield. This integrated approach not only boosts productivity but also supports sustainable farming practices in the region.

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