The end of the rainy season in mid-August marks a crucial time for the growth of autumn vegetables, especially green onions. During this period, the focus of field management should be on promoting strong root development, enhancing soil structure, and improving water and fertilizer management to create ideal conditions for the formation of tender, light-blue leaves, which ultimately improves both yield and quality.
After planting, watering should be carefully controlled during the summer months. The main goal at this stage is to encourage root growth while avoiding overwatering. After heavy rains, proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot, yellowing leaves, and seedling death. At the same time, regular weeding and shallow cultivation help stimulate root development. From the time of the "Liqiu" (End of Heat) to "Bailu" (White Dew), irrigation should follow the principle of light watering in the morning and evening. Once the green onions enter their vigorous growth phase, watering should be done every 4 to 6 days, with sufficient moisture maintained without saturation. As temperatures drop after the "Frost's Descent," the plants are nearly mature, and water needs decrease. The soil should remain slightly moist, and watering should stop 5 to 7 days before harvest to make the onions easier to handle and transport.
Fertilization is another key aspect of green onion cultivation. It starts with a base fertilizer but also requires timely topdressing. As autumn begins and plant growth accelerates, applying "foliar manure" becomes important. A standard application includes 1,500 to 2,000 kg of composted manure per acre, along with 20 to 25 kg of superphosphate to support leaf development. After the "Bai Lu" (White Dew) period, when the plants enter a rapid growth phase, it's critical to apply "tree-growing fertilizers" twice, combined with irrigation. Each application should include 15 to 20 kg of urea and 10 to 15 kg of potassium sulfate. After each irrigation, shallow cultivation between the rows helps improve soil aeration and nutrient absorption.
Earthing up, or mounding soil around the base of the plants, is an effective method to soften the leaf sheaths, prevent lodging, and increase both yield and quality. From the beginning of autumn until harvest, the soil is typically cultivated three times. The first two times involve pushing soil from the ridges into the onion furrows, filling the ditches after the summer heat. The height of the mound should be adjusted according to the growth of the pseudostem, usually 3 to 4 cm each time, and the soil should be brought up to the base of the uppermost leaves without burying the heart, to avoid leaf decay.
Disease prevention is also vital. To control leaf miners, spray dimethoate every 8 to 10 days after transplanting, using 15 ml of dimethoate per 15 liters of water. Additionally, brown spot or gray spot disease may appear on the leaves, so it's recommended to use carbendazim for control. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can significantly reduce crop losses and ensure healthy, high-quality green onions.