To reduce pesticide residues, it's essential to choose suitable soil types such as flat lands rich in organic matter or sandy soils that are fertile. Implementing crop rotation between grains and vegetables helps prevent continuous cropping, which can lead to soil degradation and increased pest problems. By avoiding heavy cropping and using diverse planting strategies, you can minimize the buildup of pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions. This approach not only enhances plant health but also lowers the frequency of pesticide use.
It is strictly prohibited to use highly toxic or high-residue pesticides that are banned by the government. Additionally, avoid using pesticides that may raise concerns in importing countries. Instead, promote the use of high-efficiency, low-residue alternatives. Integrate comprehensive pest management methods like agricultural practices, physical controls, and biological control to manage pests effectively without relying heavily on chemicals. When necessary, use broad-spectrum pesticides, but ensure a variety of products are used to minimize resistance. For example, avermectin is effective against aphids, whiteflies, mites, and lepidopteran pests, while Zhongshengmycin can treat fungal and bacterial diseases with low or no toxicity, making it ideal for international markets.
Controlling bacterial content is crucial, especially for export products, as international buyers impose strict standards. Ensure all organic fertilizers, particularly those derived from human waste, animal manure, or other organic materials, are fully decomposed through high-temperature fermentation or sterilization. Avoid using contaminated materials like hospital waste or industrial byproducts as fertilizer to prevent microbial contamination. During the growing season, avoid applying raw manure directly to crops, and use clean irrigation water, preferably groundwater, to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Maintaining hygiene throughout harvesting, grading, packaging, storage, processing, and transportation is vital. All areas should be clean, water must be potable, packaging materials environmentally friendly, and transport vehicles sanitized. Operators should also be free from infectious diseases to ensure product safety.
Improving the appearance quality of the produce is key to market competitiveness. The visual appeal of the product plays a major role in consumer preference and export success. Selecting appropriate varieties that are disease-resistant, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing is essential. Consider local production conditions and consumer preferences in target markets. For instance, carrots exported to Japan and South Korea should have bright colors, red or dark red skin, light yellow stems, and a small top, such as improved Kuroda five-inch or Seoul six-inch varieties. In contrast, European markets prefer lighter-colored, finer varieties like Swiss Beauty.
Soil cultivation techniques, such as increasing the depth of the cultivated layer, can improve nutrient supply and root development, resulting in better-shaped produce. In Henan Province, proper spacing (20–30 cm) and timely watering help maintain healthy growth. During the root expansion period, usually from early October to mid-November, regular fertilization with humic acid or amino acid-based fertilizers is recommended—once in early October and every 10 days thereafter. Foliar sprays rich in potassium, phosphorus, boron, calcium, and molybdenum can also be applied to prevent premature aging and enhance overall quality.
With the development of the times, the purpose of people's work and life is not only to solve the problem of food and clothing, but also pay more attention to health. So now health care products receive more and more consumers. As health food additives, this kind of products play a role in preventing diseases and delaying aging. These products mainly include: bilberry extract, cranberry extract, black elderberry extract, blueberry extract, purple corn extract, acai berry extract. Etc.