High-efficiency cultivation method of tuberose interplanted with Dutch pea

Abstract

This invention relates to a cultivation method for intercropping night-blooming jasmine with snow peas. The method includes steps such as land preparation and basal fertilizer application, transplanting of night-blooming jasmine, sowing of snow peas, harvesting of night-blooming jasmine, and harvesting of snow peas. This intercropping technique fully utilizes the complementary characteristics of perennial vines and leguminous climbing vegetables. Through integrated technology across the entire process, it achieves synergistic utilization of trellis resources and improved land utilization, while also offering advantages such as cost reduction, efficiency improvement, green ecology, and strong practicality. Compared to monoculture of night-blooming jasmine, this technique increases yield by 35.2%, reduces fertilizer and pesticide use by more than 20%, and also enriches the soil, providing a practical technical solution for intercropping specialty vegetables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plant cultivation technology, and in particular to a high-efficiency cultivation method for intercropping night-blooming jasmine with snow peas. Background Technology

[0002] Snow peas, an annual climbing herbaceous plant belonging to the genus *Vitis* of the legume family, are crisp in texture and rich in nutrients, possessing both edible and economic value, and are one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops in my country. To improve land utilization, enhance overall planting efficiency, and address issues such as limited returns from monoculture and waste of land resources, various intercropping models have been developed in existing agricultural planting techniques, such as intercropping snow peas with corn or cotton with cotton. In the corn-snow pea intercropping technique, the tall stature of corn plants is utilized by planting snow peas between corn rows. After the corn harvest, the stalks serve as natural climbing supports for the snow pea vines, eliminating the need for additional supports and reducing planting costs to some extent. Simultaneously, it achieves preliminary three-dimensional utilization of land space, light, temperature, water, and fertilizer resources, attempting to balance the yield benefits of both corn and snow peas. Some technical solutions also specify the sowing time, planting density, and basic field management measures for corn and snow peas to achieve crop rotation and coordinated growth between the two crops. The cotton-pea intercropping technique mainly adopts a year-round double-cropping cultivation model, using cotton plants as a climbing support for pea vines. Based on the existing planting base of cotton fields, peas are intercropped in the later stages of cotton growth or after harvest, making full use of the winter fallow period of cotton fields to improve the overall output efficiency of cotton fields. The relevant technology has formed a complete process including variety selection, sowing methods, field management, and straw return to the field, and has clarified the cropping arrangement of cotton and peas and key cultivation parameters.

[0003] However, existing intercropping techniques for maize and snow peas, and cotton and snow peas, still have many shortcomings, making it difficult to fully realize the comprehensive benefits of the intercropping model and easily leading to problems such as poor crop growth, low yield, and reduced quality. For example: First, there is poor variety compatibility, with no targeted variety matching schemes developed. Current technologies often intercrop conventional corn and cotton varieties with common snow pea varieties, failing to consider the synergistic growth characteristics of the two crops in intercropping scenarios. In corn intercropping, some schemes use corn varieties with insufficient stem toughness, making them prone to lodging when snow pea vines climb. Furthermore, if the snow pea vines are too vigorous, they can shade corn leaves, affecting corn photosynthesis and resulting in small, shriveled ears. In cotton intercropping, if the cotton variety has a dense plant structure or thin stems, it will restrict the climbing growth of snow pea vines. If the snow pea variety lacks cold tolerance and stress resistance, it is prone to growth stagnation during the low-temperature period after cotton harvest. Moreover, some intercropping schemes do not select suitable varieties based on the differences in the growth stages of the two crops, leading to poor crop rotation, overlapping growth cycles, or excessively long periods of land idleness, failing to achieve optimal synergistic growth between the two crops. In addition, long-term continuous intercropping can easily lead to the degeneration of snow pea varieties, further affecting yield and quality.

[0004] Secondly, competition for light, temperature, water, and fertilizer resources is fierce, and their allocation is unreasonable. Both corn and snow peas are crops that require both fertilizer and water. As a tall crop, corn blocks sunlight in the later stages of its growth, leading to problems such as excessive vine growth, low flowering and pod-setting rates, and small pods in intercropped snow peas due to insufficient sunlight. This problem is particularly pronounced from the corn's tasseling stage to maturity, severely impacting the quality and yield of snow peas. When cotton is intercropped with snow peas, cotton has a deeper root system and requires more fertilizer, while snow peas have a shallower root system. There is significant competition between the two for soil nutrient absorption. Current technology does not develop differentiated fertilization plans based on the nutrient requirements of the two crops, and often adopts a uniform fertilization model. This easily leads to nutrient excess in one crop and nutrient deficiency in the other. At the same time, irrigation management lacks specificity and fails to take into account the different water requirements of the two crops. Both drought and waterlogging can affect crop growth. For example, when snow peas are intercropped in cold mountainous areas, planting often fails due to water shortage, while waterlogging can cause root diseases.

[0005] Third, there are problems with poor coordination in pest and disease control and high pollution risks. The types of pests and diseases affecting corn and snow peas, and cotton and snow peas, differ, and some pests and diseases can be cross-infected. For example, aphids in corn and spider mites in snow peas can easily cause cross-infestation; wilt and verticillium wilt in cotton and wilt in snow peas can be transmitted through the soil. Current technologies do not have specific integrated pest management programs for intercropping patterns, and often use methods for controlling pests and diseases in single crops. Spraying pesticides alone not only fails to effectively control cross-infestations but can also cause phytotoxicity to the other intercropped crop if the pesticide is not selected correctly. Furthermore, frequent pesticide spraying increases the risk of pesticide residues, which is inconsistent with the concept of green planting. In addition, the high plant density and poor ventilation and light penetration in intercropping patterns make it easy for pathogens and pests to breed, further aggravating pest and disease damage. Current technologies lack effective ventilation control and biological control measures, resulting in poor pest and disease control and affecting crop yield and quality.

[0006] In summary, existing intercropping techniques for maize and cotton have significant shortcomings in terms of variety matching, resource allocation, and pest and disease control. They cannot fully leverage the advantages of three-dimensional intercropping and fail to meet the demands of modern agriculture for large-scale, high-quality, and low-cost planting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new intercropping technique that can address these shortcomings and optimize the intercropping effect. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to disclose a cultivation method for intercropping night-blooming jasmine with snow peas, in order to solve one or more technical problems existing in the existing methods and provide at least one beneficial option or create conditions.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: The first aspect of this invention is to provide a cultivation method for intercropping snow peas with night-blooming jasmine. The cultivation method includes the following steps: Land preparation and base fertilizer application: 15 to 20 days before planting night-blooming jasmine, deep plow the soil to a depth of 30 to 40 cm, remove debris and weeds from the soil, and apply 15,000 to 30,000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer, 750 kg of balanced ternary compound fertilizer, and 450 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer per hectare. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly with the deep-plowed soil. Planting of night-blooming jasmine: Planting should be done in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October). Create raised beds with a width of 1.2-1.5 m, a height of 30 cm, and a furrow width of 30-40 cm, using a single-row planting pattern. Construct a climbing trellis 1.8-2.0 m above the ground. Install horizontal bars between the trellis columns, string steel cables, and hang netting. Plant the night-blooming jasmine in the middle of the bed using a soil-with-planting method. Maintain a plant spacing of 0.8-1.0 m and a row spacing of 1.5-1.8 m, planting 3000-5000 plants per hectare. Water thoroughly after planting. For the first 7 days after planting, lightly water twice daily, morning and evening. During the seedling stage, promptly remove weak lower branches and guide the vines onto the trellis. Sowing of snow peas: In early to mid-October, loosen the soil on both sides of the night-blooming jasmine bed and thoroughly remove weeds. At the same time, thin out any overly dense vines in the lower part of the night-blooming jasmine. When sowing, sow in holes on both sides of the night-blooming jasmine bed, with 2 rows per bed and 8-10 cm between holes. Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and control the sowing depth to 3-4 cm. After sowing, cover with soil and gently compact it. After the snow peas emerge, check and replant seedlings in time, leaving 1-2 strong seedlings per hole. Night-blooming jasmine harvesting: Harvest when 40-50% of the flower buds of the inflorescence are about to open. During the peak flowering period, harvest every morning and sort out and remove open flowers. Harvesting of snow peas: Harvest 10-15 days after flowering, when the tender pods are 8-12 cm long and the seeds have not yet swelled. Harvest daily, picking and gathering gently. After harvesting, grade and package for fresh sale or refrigeration.

[0009] Night-blooming jasmine is a perennial vine, while snow peas are a biennial climbing legume. The two are highly compatible, with their growth cycles and harvest periods completely staggered. The winter dormancy period of night-blooming jasmine coincides with the winter growing season of snow peas, ensuring uninterrupted year-round production. Harvesting periods do not overlap, eliminating interference between field management and harvesting operations, thus reducing labor costs. Furthermore, both night-blooming jasmine and snow peas are climbing vegetables; a single trellis for night-blooming jasmine can be used for many years, while snow peas, after intercropping, grow directly on its trellis and vines, eliminating the need for separate trellises. Calculations show this can reduce material input costs by approximately 30%, achieving cost savings and increased efficiency. During its winter dormancy period, night-blooming jasmine has extremely low nutrient requirements, posing no nutrient competition with snow peas. The root systems of both plants form a stratified utilization pattern, with shallow nutrient uptake and deep nitrogen fixation, fully utilizing nutrients at different soil layers. Nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in snow peas converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrogen for the soil, satisfying both their own growth and providing nitrogen nutrition for the following year's night-blooming jasmine growth, reducing total fertilizer application and improving soil fertility. Intercropping increases field vegetation cover and optimizes the microclimate: during the snow pea sowing season in October, the jasmine foliage provides natural shade, reducing the inhibitory effect of high temperatures on snow pea seedlings and increasing seedling survival rate; during the low temperatures of winter and spring, snow pea vines cover the main vines of night-blooming jasmine, reducing chilling injury. Furthermore, the two vegetables exhibit significantly different types of pests and diseases, preventing outbreaks of single pests and diseases, reducing their incidence, decreasing pesticide use, and achieving green and ecological planting.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the night-blooming jasmine is selected from the Qingjianhua variety, and the seedlings are selected from robust cuttings that are 30-40 days old, have new branches of more than 5 cm, and have intact root systems free from diseases and pests. The Qingjianhua variety of night-blooming jasmine is selected because it has strong growth, dense flower spikes, and good resistance to adverse conditions, and is suitable for the climate and intercropping environment of South China; robust cuttings have a high survival rate after transplanting, recover quickly, and have stable growth in the later stages, avoiding the impact of weak or diseased seedlings on the overall effect of intercropping, and can ensure stable and high yields of night-blooming jasmine for many years.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the snow peas are selected from soft-podded, vining varieties, including Hong Kong Selection 604, Jinpin White Flower Double-Pod Snow Peas, and Guangsheng 303; the seeds are selected from high-quality seeds that are plump, undamaged, and moldy, with a germination rate of ≥90%, and are sun-dried for 1-2 days before sowing. Selecting cold-resistant, low-light-tolerant, and high-pod-setting soft-podded, vining snow pea varieties is perfectly suited to the winter sowing environment in the south and highly compatible with the dormancy period of night-blooming jasmine; sun-drying high-quality, high-germination-rate seeds before sowing improves the uniformity of emergence and the robustness of seedlings, reduces missing seedlings and gaps in rows, and ensures uniform growth of the snow pea population and a high marketable pod rate.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the soil of night-blooming jasmine is kept slightly moist during its winter dormancy period, and drainage is improved during the rainy season; the relative soil moisture content of snow peas is 60-70% during the seedling stage and 70-80% during the flowering and pod-setting stages. The cultivation method employs differentiated management based on the water requirements of the two crops: night-blooming jasmine is kept slightly moist and water-saving during its dormancy period, while water is controlled during the seedling stage to promote root growth, and water is retained during the flowering and pod-setting stages to promote pod development; this avoids water waste and root rot caused by waterlogging, while precisely meeting the water needs of different growth stages, thus improving drought and flood resistance and yield stability.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, 15 days after transplanting, the night-blooming jasmine is drenched with 1% balanced NPK fertilizer solution, 300 mL per plant. Thereafter, water-soluble fertilizer is drenched every 15 days, with 75-150 kg of balanced NPK fertilizer per hectare. During the peak flowering period, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate is sprayed on the leaves. Applying diluted fertilizer frequently after transplanting and supplementing with phosphorus and potassium during the peak flowering period aligns with the nutrient requirements of the night-blooming jasmine during its growth cycle, promoting robust vines, increased flower spikes, and improved quality. Applying fertilizer in small amounts and frequently improves fertilizer utilization, reduces loss and waste, and, combined with the nitrogen-fixing characteristics of snow peas, achieves overall fertilizer reduction in the intercropping system.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, after the snow peas emerge uniformly, a compound fertilizer containing potassium sulfate with added urea is applied by drenching. Seven days later, a 500-fold dilution of the same type of compound fertilizer is applied again. After the formation of rhizobia, nitrogen is reduced. During the flowering and pod-setting period, a spray solution containing 0.1% borax and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate is applied every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times. Light nitrogen during the seedling stage promotes seedling growth, and boron and potassium are supplemented during the flowering period, which significantly improves the flowering and pod-setting rate and the marketability of the pods. The nitrogen reduction after the formation of root nodules is in line with the nitrogen-fixing characteristics of leguminous plants, further reducing nitrogen fertilizer input. Combined with foliar fertilization, absorption is rapid and the effect is stable, improving the consistency of yield and quality.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, when the main vine of the night-blooming jasmine reaches 80 cm in length, it is trained onto a trellis, with 1-2 robust lateral vines selected and the remaining lateral branches removed. The vine is then topped at the top of the trellis. During the growing season, root suckers are removed and overly vigorous shoots are shortened. After sowing snow peas, the lower and middle branches and leaves of the night-blooming jasmine are pruned. Scientific pruning and topping of the night-blooming jasmine optimizes the plant structure and avoids excessive growth and nutrient waste. Moderate pruning of the lower and middle parts provides reasonable light and climbing space for the snow peas, while maintaining ventilation in the upper layers and reducing the occurrence of diseases. The pruning and intercropping rhythms are highly coordinated, without interference, and improve light energy utilization.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, after the snow pea seedlings sprout tendrils, they are guided to grow along the climbing trellis. When the plant reaches a height of 50 cm, an outer rope is used to prevent lodging. Subsequently, an additional outer rope is added for every 40 cm increase in height of the snow pea seedlings. The snow peas are guided and fixed in stages as they grow, making full use of the shared trellis with the night-blooming jasmine for climbing growth, eliminating the need for separate supports and significantly reducing support costs. Guiding the vines to distribute in an orderly manner improves ventilation and light penetration in the field, reduces lodging, flower and pod drop, and facilitates harvesting and pest and disease control.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the soil is tilled 1-2 times at a depth of 5-8 cm during the seedling stage of snow peas, in conjunction with fertilization. Shallow to medium tillage during the seedling stage loosens the soil and removes weeds, which not only conserves moisture and increases oxygen, but also promotes root development and prevents weeds from competing for water, fertilizer and sunlight; shallow tillage does not damage the shallow root system of night-blooming jasmine, ensuring the harmonious coexistence of the root systems of the two crops and improving soil aeration and nutrient conversion efficiency.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, after harvesting snow peas, the plant residues are turned into the soil, utilizing the nitrogen fixation by rhizobia and the decomposition of the residues to enrich the soil. Turning the snow pea residues back into the field after harvest increases soil organic matter through nitrogen fixation by rhizobia and decomposition of the residues, naturally enriching the soil fertility; it also reduces the cost of straw waste disposal, achieves nutrient recycling, can reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer used in the long term, improves soil structure, and realizes green and sustainable planting.

[0019] The advantages of this invention are: (1) Under the intercropping model provided by the cultivation method, the yield of night-blooming jasmine spikes is not significantly different from that of monoculture, and the marketability remains consistent; the yield of snow pea pods is 12,075-12,480 kg per hectare, and the marketable pod rate is over 90%. The comprehensive output value per unit area of ​​vegetables is increased by 35.2% compared with monoculture of night-blooming jasmine, the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is reduced by 22% and 20% respectively, and the weed incidence rate is reduced by more than 65%.

[0020] (2) The coordinated use of trellis resources reduces the investment in trellises for snow peas, and staggered harvesting reduces labor management costs. Each mu saves 200-300 yuan in planting costs, and the annual benefit of each mu can reach 24,462 yuan, significantly improving the economic benefits of growers. At the same time, soil fertility is improved, and field ecological benefits are enhanced. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following embodiments further illustrate the content of the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any modifications and substitutions made to the methods, steps, or conditions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, the technical means used in the embodiments are conventional means well known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] Example 1: Intercropping of night-blooming jasmine with snow peas Typical planting areas for night-blooming jasmine and winter-grown snow peas in South China: Weizheng Town, Sihui City, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, and the base of Sihui Huayi Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd.

[0024] Night-blooming jasmine variety: Select the "Qingjianhua" variety, which is mainly cultivated in South China. This variety has strong growth, dense flower spikes, strong fragrance, and good resistance to adverse conditions, making it suitable for fresh consumption and processing. Select robust cuttings that are 30-40 days old, have new branches of more than 5 cm, and have intact root systems free from diseases and pests to ensure a high survival rate after transplanting.

[0025] Snow pea varieties: Select soft-podded, vining varieties suitable for winter planting in southern regions. Recommended varieties include Hong Kong Selection 604, Jinpin White Flower Double-Pod Snow Peas, and Guangsheng 303. This series is cold-resistant, tolerant of low light, has a high pod-setting rate, and produces crisp, juicy young pods. Select high-quality seeds that are plump, undamaged, and mold-free, with a germination rate ≥90%. Sun-dry the seeds for 1-2 days before sowing to improve germination rate. Hong Kong Selection 604 was used in this experiment.

[0026] Site preparation and trellis construction: Select sunny, well-drained loam soil, remove crop residues and weeds in advance, and apply quicklime for disinfection to prepare for transplanting and winter sowing.

[0027] Land preparation and base fertilizer application: 15-20 days before transplanting newly planted night-blooming jasmine, deeply cultivate the soil to a depth of 30-40 cm. Apply 15,000-30,000 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer, 750 kg of balanced NPK compound fertilizer (15-15-15), and 450 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer per hectare. Mix well and then cultivate in raised beds in single rows. The bed surface should be 1.2-1.5 m wide, the bed height 30 cm, and the furrow width 30-40 cm. Before sowing snow peas, loosen the soil on both sides of the bed surface and remove weeds and overly dense vines from the middle and lower parts of the night-blooming jasmine.

[0028] Trellise construction: Construct a climbing trellis with a net height of 1.8~2.0 m above the ground. The columns can be made of fiber tubes, cement columns or steel pipes. Horizontal bars are installed between the columns, steel wire ropes are strung and nets are hung to take into account the needs of night-blooming jasmine harvesting and snow pea climbing growth, and to ensure ventilation and light in the field.

[0029] Planting of night-blooming jasmine: Transplant with soil in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October), in the middle of the bed, with a plant spacing of 0.8-1.0m and a row spacing of 1.5-1.8m, planting 3000-5000 plants per hectare; after transplanting, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and water lightly once in the morning and once in the evening within 7 days. During the seedling stage, remove weak lower branches and guide the vines onto the trellis in a timely manner.

[0030] Winter sowing of snow peas: Sow in holes in early to mid-October, on both sides of the bed of night-blooming jasmine, with 2 rows per bed and a hole spacing of 8-10 cm. Sow 2-3 seeds per hole at a depth of 3-4 cm. Cover with soil and press lightly after sowing. After emergence, check and replant seedlings, leaving 1-2 strong seedlings per hole to ensure uniform and strong seedlings.

[0031] Water management: Keep the soil slightly moist during the winter dormancy period of night-blooming jasmine and drain water in time during the rainy season; control watering during the seedling stage of snow peas to promote root growth, with a relative soil moisture content of 60-70%, and maintain 70-80% from flowering to pod formation. Water lightly in the morning on sunny days when it is dry, and avoid watering in the evening when the temperature is low.

[0032] Fertilizer Management: 15 days after transplanting night-blooming jasmine, apply 300 mL of 1% balanced NPK fertilizer solution per plant. Thereafter, apply water-soluble fertilizer every 15 days, using 75-150 kg of balanced NPK fertilizer per hectare. During peak flowering, spray the leaves with 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate. After the snow peas have emerged uniformly, apply a solution of 50 g urea and 50 g potassium sulfate-based NPK fertilizer mixed with 50 kg of water. Seven days later, apply a 500-fold dilution of the same type of fertilizer. After rhizobia formation, reduce nitrogen application. During flowering and pod formation, spray with a solution containing 0.1% borax and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times to improve pod setting rate.

[0033] Pruning and training: When the main vine of the night-blooming jasmine reaches 80 cm in length, train it onto the trellis, selecting 1-2 strong lateral vines and removing the rest. Pinch off the top of the trellis in a timely manner. During the growing season, remove root suckers and shorten overly long branches. After sowing snow peas, prune excessively dense branches and leaves in the middle and lower parts to form a plant shape with moderate shade in the upper layer. After the snow pea seedlings sprout tendrils, assist in training them to grow along the night-blooming jasmine trellis. When the plant reaches 50 cm in height, pull ropes on the outer side to prevent it from falling over. Subsequently, add more ropes to guide upward growth for every additional 40 cm of height.

[0034] Weeding and soil fertilization: During the seedling stage of snow peas, shallow cultivation should be carried out 1-2 times in conjunction with fertilization, with a cultivation depth of 5-8 cm, to remove weeds and avoid damaging the root system; after harvesting snow peas, the plant residues should be turned into the soil in time, so as to utilize the nitrogen fixation of rhizobia and the decomposition of the residues to enrich the soil, increase the organic matter content, and realize the recycling of soil resources.

[0035] Common pest and disease control: Before sowing, disinfect the seedbed with a 1000-fold dilution of 30% hymexazol to prevent root rot, and ensure timely drainage in the field. Place 450-600 yellow sticky traps per hectare to kill aphids and thrips, and release natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings. After harvesting night-blooming jasmine and before snow peas emerge, spray the entire field with a 2000-fold dilution of 10% imidacloprid and a 4000-fold dilution of 22.4% spirotetramat to reduce the initial insect population.

[0036] Pest and disease control for night-blooming jasmine: Remove and burn diseased plants, apply quicklime to the affected areas, and spray with 3% metalaxyl during periods of high temperature and humidity. For prevention, use 600 times diluted hymexazol or 800 times diluted 2% kasugamycin. For control, spray with 3000 times diluted 1.8% abamectin and 4000 times diluted 22.4% spirotetramat, twice consecutively, with an interval of 7 days.

[0037] Pest and disease control for snow peas: Drench the roots with a 1000-fold dilution of 30% hymexazol to control root rot. Spray with a 1500-fold dilution of 25% triadimefon to control powdery mildew. Use 72% cymoxanil... Spray with an 800-fold dilution of manganese-zinc to control rust. Use frequency-vibration insecticidal lamps to trap and kill adult bean pod borers, and spray with a 3000-fold dilution of 20% chlorantraniliprole. The flowering to pod-setting stage is the critical period for aphid control; use 3% abamectin. Spray with a 600-fold dilution of imidacloprid.

[0038] Apply pesticides on sunny mornings, and re-spray immediately if it rains within 4 hours after application; strictly control the amount and interval of application, and stop using chemical pesticides 10 days before the harvest of night-blooming jasmine and 7-10 days before the harvest of snow peas; protect snow pea seedlings from cold, and cover them with plastic film during frost.

[0039] Harvesting of night-blooming jasmine: Harvest when about 45% of the flower buds of the inflorescence are about to open. The harvesting period is from April to October. During the peak flowering period, pick the flowers every morning, and promptly sort and remove open flowers and remove any missed flower spikes to reduce nutrient consumption.

[0040] Harvesting of snow peas: Harvest 10-15 days after flowering, when the tender pods are 8-12 cm long and the seeds have not yet swelled. The harvesting period is from December to March of the following year. Harvest daily to avoid the tender pods from aging. Pick and harvest gently to prevent pulling on the branches and causing flowers and pods to fall off. After harvesting, grade and package in a timely manner for fresh sale or cold storage.

[0041] Example 2: Intercropping of night-blooming jasmine with snow peas and using night-blooming jasmine alone as a control experiment Experimental data collection period: October 2022 to December 2024.

[0042] Data collection plots: Plots with similar soil fertility and management methods were selected. One plot of night-blooming jasmine was used as a monoculture (control group), and another plot of night-blooming jasmine intercropped with snow peas was used as an experimental group. One acre of a typical plot was selected, and yields were recorded. Finally, the income was calculated based on the average purchase price at harvest time. Field plot experiment (3 replicates, average value taken).

[0043] (1) Output per unit area: In 2023, the harvest period for night-blooming jasmine was from April 15 to October 10. The yield per unit area for monoculture was 1285 kg / mu, and the yield per unit area for intercropping was 1269 kg / mu, with little difference in yield.

[0044] Snow peas are sown on October 10th and harvested from January to March 2024. The yield of intercropped snow peas is 832 kg / mu. The intercropping density should be low, depending on the bed size of the night-blooming jasmine.

[0045] Output value increase: The average purchase price of night-blooming jasmine in 2023 was 25.4 yuan / kg, and the average purchase price of snow peas was 14.6 yuan / kg. The output value increase ratio = (1239*25.4+832*14.6-1285*25.4) / 1285*25.4×100%=33.6%.

[0046] In 2024, the harvest period for night-blooming jasmine was from April 17th to October 15th, with a yield of 1195 kg / mu (approximately 74.5 kg / acre) for monoculture and 1247 kg / mu (approximately 8.5 kg / acre) for intercropping, showing little difference in yield. Snow peas were sown on October 10th and harvested from January to March 2025. The yield of snow peas intercropped with snow peas was 805 kg / mu (approximately 13.5 kg / acre). Intercropping density needed to be adjusted according to the bed size of the night-blooming jasmine, resulting in a lower planting density.

[0047] Output value increase: The average purchase price of night-blooming jasmine in 2024 was 21.6 yuan / kg, and the average purchase price of snow peas was 10.4 yuan / kg. The output value increase ratio = (1247*21.6+805*10.4-1195*21.6) / 1195*21.6×100%=36.8%.

[0048] The average output value increased by 35.2% in 2023 and 2024.

[0049] (2) Fertilizer application data Because of the return of snow pea straw to the field, the amount of chemical fertilizer applied to the intercropped night-blooming jasmine field decreased from 50 kg / mu to 39 kg / mu, a reduction of 22%, resulting in a corresponding cost reduction of 77 yuan.

[0050] (3) Weed occurrence rate data A five-point sampling method was used (1 m × 1 m standard quadrats, one quadrat each in the east, west, south, north, and center of the experimental field). On May 1, 2023 and 2024, when the night-blooming jasmine began harvesting, experimental groups (intercropped night-blooming jasmine with snow peas) and control groups (monoculture of night-blooming jasmine) were established in a typical planting area in South China (Weizheng Town, Sihui City, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province). Each experimental plot was one mu (approximately 0.16 acres), and soil fertility, water and fertilizer management, and field operations were kept consistent, with no additional weeding operations. Weed incidence was investigated at the early stage of night-blooming jasmine harvesting, which is the peak period for weed growth in the night-blooming jasmine garden. The core survey indicator was weed coverage rate (a common core indicator in agricultural field trials, directly reflecting the degree of weed damage). Specific experimental data and results are as follows: In 2023, the average weed coverage rate in the control group monoculture fields of night-blooming jasmine was 41.80%, while the average weed coverage rate in the experimental intercropping fields was only 14.00%, representing a reduction of 66.51%. In 2024, the average weed coverage rate in the control group monoculture fields of night-blooming jasmine was 57.80%, while the average weed coverage rate in the experimental intercropping fields was only 19.00%, representing a reduction of 67.13%.

[0051] The above experimental results show that the weed incidence rate is reduced by more than 65% under this intercropping technology, and it has a significant inhibitory effect on common weeds such as barnyard grass, purslane, goosegrass, fleabane, and chickweed in the field, greatly reducing competition among weeds in the field and improving the ecological benefits in the field.

[0052] (4) Data on planting cost savings and annual benefits Cost savings in planting: Taking one mu as a unit, the intercropping model saves 1037 yuan per mu by synergistically utilizing trellis resources (reusing the night-blooming jasmine trellis, reducing the additional investment in snow pea trellis by about 260 yuan / mu, land rent of about 750 yuan for 6 months, and fertilizer use by sharing fertilizer and returning snow pea straw to the field, saving 77 yuan / mu of fertilizer). After deducting the operation cost of returning snow pea straw to the field of 50 yuan / mu, the planting cost is reduced by 1037 yuan per mu, which falls within the savings range of about 1000 yuan. Annual benefits: Under the conditions of meticulous field management and timely harvesting and marketing of high-quality agricultural products, the experimental plots per mu achieved a comprehensive average annual output value of 39,462 yuan through intercropping. After deducting the total annual planting cost of 15,000 yuan (including land rent, agricultural materials, labor, and depreciation of trellises, etc.), the annual benefit per mu can reach 24,462 yuan, significantly improving the economic benefits for growers.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A cultivation method for intercropping snow peas with night-blooming jasmine, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Land preparation and base fertilizer application: 15 to 20 days before planting night-blooming jasmine, deep plow the soil to a depth of 30 to 40 cm, remove debris and weeds from the soil, and apply 15,000 to 30,000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer, 750 kg of balanced ternary compound fertilizer, and 450 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer per hectare. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly with the deep-plowed soil. Planting of night-blooming jasmine: Planting should be done in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October). Create raised beds with a width of 1.2-1.5 m, a height of 30 cm, and a furrow width of 30-40 cm, using a single-row planting pattern. Construct a climbing trellis 1.8-2.0 m above the ground. Install horizontal bars between the trellis columns, string steel cables, and hang netting. Plant the night-blooming jasmine in the middle of the bed using a soil-with-planting method. Maintain a plant spacing of 0.8-1.0 m and a row spacing of 1.5-1.8 m, planting 3000-5000 plants per hectare. Water thoroughly after planting. For the first 7 days after planting, lightly water twice daily, morning and evening. During the seedling stage, promptly remove weak lower branches and guide the vines onto the trellis. Sowing of snow peas: In early to mid-October, loosen the soil on both sides of the night-blooming jasmine bed and thoroughly remove weeds. At the same time, thin out any overly dense vines in the lower part of the night-blooming jasmine. When sowing, sow in holes on both sides of the night-blooming jasmine bed, with 2 rows per bed and 8-10 cm between holes. Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and control the sowing depth to 3-4 cm. After sowing, cover with soil and gently compact it. After the snow peas emerge, check and replant seedlings in time, leaving 1-2 strong seedlings per hole. Night-blooming jasmine harvesting: Harvest when 40-50% of the flower buds of the inflorescence are about to open. During the peak flowering period, harvest every morning and sort out and remove open flowers. Harvesting of snow peas: Harvest 10-15 days after flowering, when the tender pods are 8-12 cm long and the seeds have not yet swelled. Harvest daily, picking and gathering gently. After harvesting, grade and package for fresh sale or refrigeration.

2. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The night-blooming jasmine used is the Qingjianhua variety, and the seedlings are healthy cuttings with an age of 30-40 days, new branches of more than 5 cm, and intact root systems free from diseases and pests.

3. The cultivation method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snow peas selected are soft-podded, vining varieties, including Hong Kong Selection 604, Jinpin White Flower Double-Pod Snow Peas, and Guangsheng 303; the seeds are selected as high-quality seeds with plump grains, no damage or mold, and a germination rate of ≥90%, and are sun-dried for 1-2 days before sowing.

4. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Keep the soil slightly moist during the winter dormancy period of night-blooming jasmine and ensure proper drainage during the rainy season; the relative soil moisture content should be 60-70% during the seedling stage of snow peas and 70-80% during the flowering and pod-setting stage.

5. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Fifteen days after planting, apply 1% balanced NPK fertilizer solution to each plant, 300 mL. Thereafter, apply water-soluble fertilizer every 15 days, using 75-150 kg of balanced NPK fertilizer per hectare. During the peak flowering period, spray the leaves with 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

6. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the snow peas have emerged uniformly, apply a ternary potassium sulfate compound fertilizer with added urea by drenching. Seven days later, apply a 500-fold dilution of the same type of compound fertilizer. After the rhizobia have formed, reduce nitrogen. During the flowering and pod-setting period, apply a spray solution containing 0.1% borax and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times.

7. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the planting process, when the main vine of the night-blooming jasmine reaches 80 cm in length, guide it onto the trellis, select 1-2 strong lateral vines, remove the rest of the lateral branches, and top it when it climbs to the top of the trellis; during the growing season, remove root suckers and shorten overly long branches; after sowing snow peas, prune the middle and lower branches and leaves of the night-blooming jasmine.

8. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the snow pea seedlings sprout tendrils, guide them to grow along the trellis. When the seedlings reach 50 cm in height, pull ropes on the outside to prevent them from falling over. Then, add another rope on the outside for every 40 cm the snow pea seedlings grow.

9. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the seedling stage of snow peas, the soil should be tilled 1-2 times at a depth of 5-8 cm in conjunction with fertilization.

10. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After harvesting snow peas, the plant debris is turned over and pressed into the soil, where nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the rhizobia and the decomposition of the debris enrich the soil.