Compound planting method for corn and chive

Abstract

A corn and chive composite planting method belongs to the technical field of planting methods. The problems that water and soil loss is serious, biodiversity is reduced, and the income increasing pressure of farmers is large in existing corn single cropping are solved. According to the method, after previous crops are harvested, soil is subjected to deep ploughing or deep scarification in autumn, and fertilization is conducted; in spring of the second year, when the soil is thawed by 15-30 cm, pulp jacking and ridging are carried out, an allium fistulosum planting belt is arranged every 6-8 rows of corn planting belts, and the ratio of the corn planting belts to the allium fistulosum planting belt is (3.6-4.8 m): (1.2-1.5 m); planting the chive as soon as possible after the soil is completely unfrozen, ditching or digging holes in a chive planting belt, planting a cluster of division seedlings of the chive in each hole, treading after planting, and thoroughly watering for fixing roots; corn sowing is conducted 7-10 days after field planting of the allium fistulosum and when the ground temperature is stabilized to be 8 DEG C; and harvesting after the corn and the chive are mature. The method has the advantages of efficient utilization of resources, complementation of ecological functions, superposition of economic benefits and exertion of regional advantages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of planting methods, specifically relating to a method for intercropping corn and scallions, which is particularly suitable for sloping farmland in the low mountain and hilly areas of Northeast China. Background Technology

[0002] Jilin Province's low mountain and hilly areas (such as the foothills of the Jilin Hadaling, Daheishan, and Zhangguangcai Mountains) are rich in sloping farmland resources, making them important production areas for dryland grain crops like maize. However, traditional monoculture of maize in this region faces numerous challenges: soil erosion leads to a thinning of the black soil layer and a decline in soil fertility; a single planting structure results in a fragile agricultural ecosystem and reduced biodiversity; and economic benefits are significantly affected by fluctuations in maize market prices, putting considerable pressure on farmers to increase their income.

[0003] Allium victorialis (also known as mountain onion or wild onion) is a precious perennial herb used for both medicinal and edible purposes in the eastern mountainous region of Jilin Province. It possesses a unique pungent aroma and rich nutritional value, resulting in strong market demand and high prices. However, it prefers cool, shady, and moist conditions, making it suitable for growth along forest edges or under sparse forests. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this invention provides a method for intercropping corn and scallions.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems by adopting the following technical solution: The method for intercropping corn and scallions is as follows: Step 1, Land Preparation: After the previous crop is harvested, the soil should be deeply tilled or loosened to a depth of 25-30cm in the autumn, and fertilizer should be applied. In the second spring, when the soil thaws to a depth of 15-30cm, ridges are formed along the contour lines. A scallion planting strip is set up every 6-8 rows of corn planting strips. The corn planting strips are 60cm apart, and the scallion planting strips are 1.2-1.5 meters wide. Step 2, Sowing and Transplanting: Plant scallions as soon as possible after the soil thaws. In the scallion planting area, dig trenches or holes with a row spacing of 20-25cm and a hole spacing of 15-20cm. Plant one clump of scallion division seedlings in each hole, with the soil covering the top of the bulb 3-5cm deep. After planting, tamp the soil down and water thoroughly. Corn should be sown 7-10 days after the transplanting of scallions and when the soil temperature is stable at 8℃. The spacing between corn plants should be 18-22cm. Step 3, Results: Harvest the corn and scallions after they mature. Corn is harvested from late September to early October, while scallions are harvested in May-June and September-October.

[0006] Preferably, in step 1, the slope of the soil is between 6° and 15°, and the soil depth is >30cm.

[0007] Preferably, in step 1, the previous crop of the soil cannot be an onion or garlic crop; more preferably, the previous crop of the soil is a legume crop.

[0008] Preferably, in step 1, the fertilization is as follows: applying 2-3 cubic meters of well-rotted farmyard manure per acre, combined with 40-50 kg of corn compound fertilizer, and applying it all at once; more preferably, the corn compound fertilizer is... .

[0009] Preferably, in step 2, the corn variety is one of Xianyu 335 or Xiangyu 998.

[0010] Preferably, in step 2, the variety of scallion is Dunhua Scallion No. 1.

[0011] Preferably, in step 2, the divided seedling has 2-3 bulbs.

[0012] Preferably, in step 2, the number of corn seedlings to be maintained per mu (unit of land area) is 3800-4200.

[0013] Preferably, in step 2, the number of scallions per mu is 12,000-15,000.

[0014] Preferably, in step 2, after thoroughly watering the roots, cover the scallion planting area with black mulch or 2-3cm thick chopped straw.

[0015] Preferably, between steps 2 and 3, during the corn's large trumpet stage, 15-20 kg / mu of urea is applied as a top dressing to the soil in the corn planting area.

[0016] Preferably, in step 3, the method for harvesting the scallions is as follows: cut the leaves with a knife at a height of 2-3 cm from the ground.

[0017] Preferably, in step 3, after the onion is harvested or after it turns green again in the following spring, an organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium is applied to the onion belt at a rate of 10-15 kg per mu.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The corn-scallion intercropping method of the present invention innovatively combines the traditional field crop corn with the high-value specialty wild vegetable scallion.

[0019] The corn-scallion intercropping method of the present invention makes full use of the surface space and sunlight in the early stage of corn growth to provide shade for the shade-loving scallion seedlings; the dense vegetation layer formed after the scallion matures can effectively cover the ground surface.

[0020] This invention relates to a corn-scallion intercropping method. The deep roots of corn and the shallow roots of scallions combine to enhance soil retention. The perennial and high-coverage characteristics of scallions significantly reduce soil erosion on slopes, compensating for insufficient surface cover during the later stages of corn growth and after harvest. The scallion belt acts as a highly efficient biological hedge, reducing runoff on sloping farmland by 30%-50% and soil erosion by 40%-60%. The perennial root system and abundant litter of scallions significantly increase soil organic matter and improve soil structure. The intercropping system provides a richer habitat for insects and soil microorganisms.

[0021] This invention's method of intercropping corn and scallions adds high-value scallion production while maintaining relatively stable corn yield. With corn yields remaining roughly the same or slightly reduced (5%-10%), the method generates an additional 6,000-10,000 yuan per mu (based on the current market price of 20-30 yuan / kg) in fresh scallion leaf income, significantly increasing the total output value. It also reduces herbicide use and some nitrogen fertilizer input, lowering production costs. The method transforms income from a single grain source into a dual income stream of "grain + high-value cash crop," enhancing resilience against market risks.

[0022] The corn-scallion intercropping method of this invention makes full use of the cool and humid climate conditions of the eastern mountainous areas of Northeast China, simulating the native habitat of the scallion and opening up new avenues for its artificial cultivation and resource propagation. The scallion enters a stable production period from the second year after transplanting, with a yield of 300-500 kg of fresh leaves per mu.

[0023] The corn-scallion intercropping method of the present invention enhances surface cover, regulates the microclimate of farmland, and improves the drought resistance of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To further understand the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0025] The method for intercropping corn and onion according to the present invention comprises the following steps: Step 1, Land preparation (from autumn of the previous year to spring of the current year) After the previous crop is harvested, the soil is deep-plowed or loosened to a depth of 25-30cm in the autumn, and fertilizer is applied to break up the plow pan and allow rain and snow to accumulate. In the early spring of the second year, when the soil thaws to a depth of 15cm, ridges are formed along the contour lines. A "wide intercropping and ridge-furrow complementarity" model is adopted, with a scallion planting strip set up every 6-8 rows of corn planting strips. The row spacing of the corn planting strips is 60cm, and the width of the scallion planting strips is 1.2-1.5 meters. Step 2, sowing and transplanting (mid-April to early May) Plant scallions as soon as possible after the soil thaws (mid to late April) (to facilitate seedling establishment). Within the scallion planting zone, remove the ridges and make flat or low beds. Make furrows or dig holes with a row spacing of 20-25cm and a hole spacing of 15-20cm. Plant one clump of scallion division seedlings in each hole, with the soil covering the top of the bulb 3-5cm deep. After planting, tamp down the soil and water thoroughly. Corn should be sown 7-10 days after the transplanting of scallions and when the soil temperature is stable at 8℃. The corn planting spacing should be 18-22cm (slightly sparser than monoculture) to ensure ventilation and light penetration and reduce marginal competition with the scallion planting area. Step 3: Harvest the corn and scallions after they have matured; Harvest the corn promptly after it matures, from late September to early October. The harvesting season for winter onions is in spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October), with the tender leaves harvested in spring being of the best quality.

[0026] In step 1 of this invention, the preferred soil slopes are sunny or semi-sunny slopes with a gradient between 6° and 15°, a soil depth >30cm, good drainage, and high organic matter content. For slopes exceeding 15°, contour terraces or horizontal steps must be constructed. Legumes are preferred as the preceding crop, and continuous cropping of onions and garlic should be avoided.

[0027] In step 1 of this invention, the preferred fertilization method is as follows: apply 2-3 cubic meters of (deeply applied) (high-quality) well-rotted farmyard manure per acre, combined with 40-50 kg of corn compound fertilizer, as base fertilizer, and apply it all at once. The preferred corn compound fertilizer is... .

[0028] In step 1 of this invention, the onion planting strip is located between two corn planting strips, and the width of the onion planting strip is convenient for small-scale machinery operation and manual management. Preferably, both ends are corn planting strips.

[0029] In step 2 of this invention, after thoroughly watering the roots, cover the scallion planting area with black mulch or 2-3cm thick chopped straw.

[0030] In step 2 of this invention, the corn selected is a superior hybrid variety promoted in Northeast China that is tolerant of dense planting, lodging resistant, and has a medium-early maturity (120-128 days growth period) and compact or semi-compact plant type, such as "Xianyu 335" and "Xiangyu 998", to reduce competition for shade from the winter onions. For the winter onions, it is recommended to use superior local (Jilin) ​​strains that have been artificially domesticated and selected, such as "Dunhua Winter Onion No. 1", to ensure strong adaptability and uniform growth.

[0031] In step 2 of this invention, the preferred method is to use seedlings propagated by division (with 2-3 bulbs), which have a high survival rate and fast growth. If seed propagation is used, seedlings need to be cultivated two years in advance. The yield of cold-resistant onions is 12,000-15,000 clumps per acre, which is about 10%-15% less than that of seed propagation.

[0032] In step 2 of this invention, single-seed precision sowing can be carried out on the ridges using a small seeder or manually within the corn planting area. The recommended seeding density is 3800-4200 plants per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares).

[0033] In step 2 of this invention, after thoroughly watering the roots, cover the scallion planting area with black mulch or 2-3cm thick chopped straw.

[0034] In step 3 of this invention, the harvesting method for the winter onion is as follows: cut the leaves with a knife at a height of 2-3 cm above the ground. Winter onions are generally not harvested during the high temperatures of summer to allow the roots to develop. During the peak growing season (July-August), the ground cover should reach over 85%, which is a key indicator for effective soil and water conservation.

[0035] In step 3 of this invention, the corn should be harvested promptly after it matures from late September to early October. It is recommended to use mechanical harvesting, and after the corn stalks are crushed, part of them should be used to cover the corn belt and returned to the field, while the rest can be collected and removed from the field.

[0036] In step 3 of this invention, after the corn is harvested, diseased and damaged plant debris is removed from the field. Before the soil freezes (late October to early November), a 5-8cm thick layer of well-rotted farmyard manure or chopped straw is placed on the surface of the cold-resistant onion belt. This serves as both an overwintering insulation layer and an important fertilizer source for the following year.

[0037] The planting method of this invention allows the cold-weather onion to enter a stable production period starting from the second year after transplanting, with a yield of 300-500 kg of fresh leaves per mu. The cold-weather onion only requires normal water and fertilizer management. The corn planting can also be done by repeating the previous planting. The corn planting belt adopts a conservation tillage method and can leave appropriate stubble to minimize soil compaction, water and soil erosion, and decline in organic matter caused by soil disturbance.

[0038] In this invention, the total nitrogen fertilizer input is reduced by 20%-30% compared to monoculture corn, while the phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and organic fertilizer inputs are increased by more than 30%.

[0039] Between steps 2 and 3, this invention employs collaborative field management (year-round), such as: top dressing: Corn: During the large trumpet stage, apply 15-20 kg / mu of urea to one side of the corn stalk.

[0040] Winter scallion: After the onion turns green again each spring and after each harvest, apply 10-15 kg of phosphorus- and potassium-rich organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer per acre along with watering within the winter scallion growing area. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer, which can cause the winter scallion leaves to become too tender and reduce their flavor.

[0041] Water: Prioritize water supply during the transplanting period of winter onions, the spring greening period, and the summer drought period. Irrigation should also be provided during the critical water requirement period for corn (from the large trumpet stage to the grain-filling stage) if drought occurs. Micro-sprinkler or drip irrigation is recommended.

[0042] Green control of diseases, pests and weeds: Weeds: Primarily controlled by physical methods. In the early stages within the onion belt, manual weeding is effective; later, after the onions have closed the canopy, weeds are strongly suppressed. In the corn belt, weeding should be combined with inter-row cultivation. Herbicides should be avoided as much as possible; if necessary, use corn-specific herbicides and install physical barriers to prevent drift to the onions.

[0043] Pests and diseases: For corn, the main control measures are corn borer (releasing Trichogramma wasps) and large leaf spot. For shallots, the main prevention measures are downy mildew, purple blotch, and thrips. Prioritize agricultural control, biological control (such as plant-derived pesticides like matrine), and physical control (yellow sticky traps). When using chemical pesticides, choose highly effective, low-toxicity agents that are safe for both corn and shall be avoided during the shallot harvesting period.

[0044] Shading and light regulation: During the mid-to-late stages of corn growth, shading for scallions should be increased. This can be achieved by removing older leaves from the bottom of the corn plant to increase light penetration. If the corn planting density is properly designed, this level of shading is generally beneficial for the summer growth of scallions, preventing scorching from strong sunlight.

[0045] The terminology used in this invention generally has the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise stated.

[0046] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. The embodiments described are merely specific descriptions of the claims of the present invention, and the claims include, but are not limited to, the content of the described embodiments.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the reagents and materials described in the following examples are commercially available; and the test methods described are conventional methods unless otherwise specified.

[0048] Example 1 The method of intercropping corn and scallions, using sloping farmland (slope between 6° and 15°, soil depth > 30cm, previous crop being a legume) in Yingwu Village, Liaoyuan Town, Dongliao County, Jilin Province, follows these steps: Step 1, Land Preparation: After the previous crop was harvested, the soil was deeply tilled to a depth of 30cm in the autumn of 2023, and fertilizer was applied. 3 cubic meters of well-rotted farmyard manure per acre was applied, along with 45 kg of corn compound fertilizer, all in one application. The corn compound fertilizer was... ; In late April 2024, when the soil thaws to a depth of 15cm, ridges are formed along the contour lines. A scallion planting strip is set up every 7 rows of corn planting strips, with a row spacing of 60cm for corn planting strips and a strip width of 1.3m for scallion planting strips. Step 2, Sowing and Transplanting: Plant scallions as soon as possible after the soil thaws. Dig holes in the scallion planting area with a row spacing of 25cm and a hole spacing of 20cm. Plant one clump of scallion division seedlings (2-3 bulbs) in each hole, with the soil covering the top of the bulb 3-5cm deep. After planting, tamp down the soil and water thoroughly. After watering thoroughly, cover the scallion planting area with black mulch. Eight days after the transplanting of scallions and when the soil temperature has stabilized above 8℃, corn should be sown with a plant spacing of 20cm. The corn variety is Xianyu 335, and the scallion variety is Dunhua Hancong No. 1. The number of corn seedlings per mu is 4,000, and the number of scallion clumps per mu is 13,000. During the corn's large trumpet stage, apply 15 kg / mu of urea to the soil in the corn planting area. Step 3: Harvest the corn and scallions after they have matured; Harvest the corn promptly after it matures, from late September to early October 2024. The main harvesting periods for winter onions are May-June and September-October. The tender leaves in spring are of the best quality. Use a sharp knife to cut the leaves 2-3cm above the ground. Fertilize and water promptly after each harvest. After the corn harvest, clean up the diseased and damaged parts in the field. Before the soil freezes, cover the surface of the cold-weather onion belt with a 6cm thick layer of well-rotted farmyard manure. After the winter onion is harvested, apply organic fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium to the winter onion belt at a rate of 13 kg per mu. Step 4: From the second year after transplanting, the cold-weather onion enters the stable production period, with a yield of 300-500 kg of fresh leaves per mu. That is, from 2025 onwards, the cold-weather onion only needs normal water and fertilizer management. The planting of corn can also be repeated as before. The corn planting belt adopts the conservation tillage method and can leave appropriate stubble to minimize soil disturbance and problems such as soil compaction, water and soil erosion, and decline in organic matter.

[0049] Comparative Example 1 The corn planting method, using sloping farmland (slope between 6° and 15°, soil depth > 30cm, previous crop being legumes) in Yingwu Village, Liaoyuan Town, Dongliao County, Jilin Province, is as follows: Step 1, Sowing: Sowing should be done from late April to early May when the soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm is stable at ≥8℃. In the eastern hilly areas, sowing can be delayed by 3-5 days. Ridge sowing is the main method, with furrows 5-6 cm deep. Cover the soil and compact it. Sow 2.5 kg per mu in low-fertility plots and 3 kg per mu in high-fertility plots. Leave a seedling density of 4200 plants per mu. Step 2, Field Management: Fertilization should primarily use well-rotted farmyard manure, applying 3000 kg per mu as base fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; top-dress with 10 kg and 15 kg of urea respectively at the jointing stage and the large trumpet stage, applying deeply and covering with soil. Weed and cultivate three times throughout the year, combining this with hilling to prevent lodging. Pest, disease, and weed control should primarily rely on green methods; release Trichogramma wasps to control corn borers; promptly remove diseased leaves; and prioritize manual removal of weeds. Water management depends on rainfall; during droughts, irrigate through furrows or spot irrigation; and ensure timely drainage during the rainy season.

[0050] Step 3, Results and Follow-up: Harvest corn from late September to early October, after the kernels have hardened and the milk lines have disappeared. Harvesting 7-15 days later after physiological maturity improves quality and increases yield. Harvest using small-scale machinery, and then dry the kernels until the moisture content reaches 13%-14% before storing.

[0051] Soil erosion, soil organic matter, biodiversity, and land output were tested for the planting methods of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, according to GB / T 42490-2023 and GB / T 36197-2018. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0052] Table 1. Test results of the planting methods in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1

[0053] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all embodiments here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for intercropping corn and onions, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: Step 1, Land Preparation: After the previous crop is harvested, the soil should be deeply tilled or loosened to a depth of 25-30cm in the autumn, and fertilizer should be applied. In the second spring, when the soil thaws to a depth of 15-30cm, ridges are formed along the contour lines. A scallion planting strip is set up every 6-8 rows of corn planting strips. The corn planting strips are 60cm apart, and the scallion planting strips are 1.2-1.5 meters wide. Step 2, Sowing and Transplanting: Plant scallions as soon as possible after the soil thaws. In the scallion planting area, dig trenches or holes with a row spacing of 20-25cm and a hole spacing of 15-20cm. Plant one clump of scallion division seedlings in each hole, with the soil covering the top of the bulb 3-5cm deep. After planting, tamp the soil down and water thoroughly. Corn should be sown 7-10 days after the transplanting of scallions and when the soil temperature is stable at 8℃. The spacing between corn plants should be 18-22cm. Step 3, Results: Harvest the corn and scallions after they mature. Corn is harvested from late September to early October, while scallions are harvested in May-June and September-October.

2. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the slope of the soil is between 6° and 15°, and the soil depth is >30cm.

3. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the previous crop in the soil was a legume.

4. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the fertilization is as follows: apply 2-3 cubic meters of well-rotted farmyard manure per acre, along with 40-50 kg of corn compound fertilizer, and apply it all at once.

5. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, one or more of the following characteristics are present: The corn variety is either Xianyu 335 or Xiangyu 998; The variety of the cold-weather scallion mentioned is Dunhua Cold-weather Scallion No. 1; The divided seedlings have 2-3 bulbs.

6. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the number of corn seedlings to be maintained per mu (unit of land area) is 3800-4200; The plant density of the cold-weather onion is 12,000-15,000 clumps per mu.

7. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, after thoroughly watering the roots, cover the scallion planting area with black mulch or 2-3cm thick chopped straw.

8. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, the method for harvesting the scallions is as follows: cut the leaves with a knife at a height of 2-3 cm from the ground.

9. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, Between steps 2 and 3, during the corn's large trumpet stage, apply 15-20 kg / mu of urea to the soil in the corn planting area.

10. The method for intercropping corn and onion according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, after the winter onion is harvested, or after it turns green again in the following spring, apply 10-15 kg of organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium to the winter onion belt.

Images