I. Cultivation Season and Variety Selection
Most of China's carrot cultivation takes place during the summer and autumn seasons, and timely sowing is a crucial factor in achieving high yield and quality. In the northeastern region, planting can typically begin from late June to late July. The selection of varieties depends on the sowing time. For summer and autumn sowing, the following principles should be considered:
1. Choose varieties that have been successfully cultivated in the north or have a proven track record in large-scale farming.
2. Select popular and easily marketable varieties.
3. Opt for varieties with strong adaptability and moderate growth periods.
4. Pick varieties with good quality, high nutritional value, and suitability for processing.
II. Soil Selection and Fertilization
Carrots require well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil with a loose top layer. It is best to follow crop rotation practices such as growing onions, Chinese cabbage, or other food crops before planting carrots. Ridge cultivation is commonly used. Before preparing the land, plowing is necessary, followed by the application of base fertilizer. Typically, 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of well-rotted organic fertilizer per 666.7 square meters is recommended. Additionally, 1 to 2 kilograms of wood ash or biological potassium fertilizer can be added, with about 30% incorporated into the soil. Chicken manure is also beneficial. Afterward, deep ridges are formed. If fertilization is insufficient, it can be applied during ridge preparation, with ridge widths ranging from 65 to 70 cm.
III. Post-Sowing Management
In northern regions, the traditional method involves creating ridges that are 20 to 25 cm wide and 2 to 3 cm deep. Seeds are evenly distributed in the furrows, with approximately 300 grams of seed used per 666.7 square meters. To ensure even distribution, fine sand can be mixed with the seeds. After sowing, the soil is covered with 1 to 2 cm of soil, then gently pressed and watered. To maintain soil moisture and protect against excessive heat, straw or wheat stalks can be placed on the ridges after sowing. These materials are gradually removed once the seedlings emerge.
Weeds grow rapidly during the hot and rainy season, so herbicides can be sprayed after sowing to control weed growth. A solution of 33% Pendimethalin EC at a rate of 150 ml per 666.7 square meters, diluted in 75 kg of water, has shown effective results.
Before the seedlings emerge, two thinning operations are usually performed. The first thinning occurs when the seedlings have 2 to 3 leaves, removing weak or misshapen plants and spacing them 3 cm apart. The second thinning is done when the seedlings have 3 to 4 leaves, spacing them 6 cm apart. Each thinning is accompanied by loosening the soil. Weeding is still required after the first thinning, and herbicides can be applied similarly to the post-sowing stage.
IV. Irrigation and Fertilization
Carrots have good drought tolerance, and their fertilizer requirements are relatively low compared to other crops. However, to achieve high-quality and high-yield results, proper irrigation and fertilization management is essential.
From sowing to emergence, if there is no rain, continuous watering is needed to keep the soil moist. After the seedlings have emerged, the water requirement is not high, so it is advisable to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage root development and prevent excessive vegetative growth. During the rainy season, drainage should be ensured after heavy rains. After transplanting, one thorough watering is recommended, followed by soil cultivation. When the fleshy roots begin to expand, further watering is necessary to maintain soil moisture and promote root growth. This should continue until 15 days before harvest.
Carrot seedlings generally do not require much fertilizer, and top-dressing is often unnecessary. If needed, decomposed organic fertilizer can be applied after the second thinning, or 10 kg of urea per 666.7 square meters can be used to promote seedling growth. Once the fleshy roots start to swell, more fertilizer is required. Organic fertilizer should be combined with water, and 10 kg of potassium sulfate or 20 kg of compound fertilizer per 666.7 square meters can be applied.
Before the leaves close, the final cultivation is carried out, and fine soil is brought up to the root head to prevent exposure, which could lead to green heads and affect the quality.
V. Harvesting and Storage
The time from sowing to harvesting varies depending on the variety. Early-maturing varieties take 80 to 90 days, while late-maturing ones may take 100 to 140 days. Carrots are ready for harvest when the fleshy roots are fully developed and meet commercial standards. Harvesting too early results in underdeveloped roots, lower yields, and poor quality. On the other hand, harvesting too late may cause the roots to become woody, reducing their quality.
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