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Horseradish, information about crop management
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, native to the southeastern part of Europe. It has been cultivated since Roman times and it was considered a medicinal plant. Horseradish plants are also common in vegetable gardens in rural areas. It is cultivated for the developed roots and is most often used as a spice because it tastes spicy.
Biological particularities
It is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms well-developed underground organs. The roots are 3-4 cm in diameter and have a yellowish color on the outside and white on the inside. The root system can penetrate the soil to a 60-70 cm depth. Numerous dormant buds are present on the roots, which allow vegetative propagation.
The leaves are large and elongated, with a long petiole and a slightly serrated edge. The foliage of a mature plant consists of 50-60 leaves arranged in a rosette. Plants flowering stems have characteristics specific to the Cruciferae family. They are 80-150 cm long, tubular, and bear small, white flowers, clustered in racemes inflorescences. Flowering takes place between May and August, and insects provide pollination. The fruits are silique, containing seeds. Most of the time the seeds are sterile.
Climate and soil requirements
Horseradish has low demands on vegetation factors. Negative winter temperatures are not a problem, as the plant withstands temperatures of -20 °C in the soil. It does not have high light requirements and can be grown in shady areas. Due to the well-developed root system, the plant can use water from deep soil layers. However, in drought conditions, the roots shrivel excessively, lignify, and lose their commercial value. Horseradish does not tolerate excess moisture which can cause root rot. It prefers medium-textured soils, rich in humus, fertilized with manure, and with a well-developed profile.
Cultivation
Crop rotation
Avoid compacted, acidic soils and shallow groundwater. The soil should be well prepared and leveled to avoid water stagnating on the soil surface. Good results are obtained after tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, zucchini, peas, and beans. Horseradish can return to the same field after 4 to 5 years.
Soil preparation
This starts in autumn by leveling the soil and incorporating or destroying plant debris. This is followed by manure fertilization. Doses are determined according to a preliminary soil analysis. Afterward, plowing or tilling can be carried out to a depth of 30 – 40 cm. In spring, the land needs to be tilled and sprayed with a non-selective herbicide (if weeds are present).
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Planting
Horseradish cultivation is carried out by root cuttings. Roots about 20 cm long and 1 cm thick are selected. Remove the middle buds from the cuttings and leave only those at the ends.
The operation should be done carefully so as not to destroy the epidermis. Planting takes place in early spring, between March and April. The distance between rows and between plants per row is 20-25 cm, and the cuttings should be placed obliquely in the soil. For one hectare you need between 400 and 1800 kg of root cuttings.
Pests and disease control
It is done by applying treatments with approved fungicides or insecticides. To avoid the appearance of diseases or pests resistant to pesticides, it is recommended to alternate products with different active substances.
Weed control
It is recommended to carry out 3-4 hoeings at a time to destroy the crust and eliminate weeds. Weeds can also be controlled chemically by applying herbicides.
Care works
Irrigation. In areas with rainfall deficits, irrigation is mandatory. Lack of water causes excessive rooting. They also become woody and lose their juiciness. It is recommended to apply 2-3 irrigations with norms of 250 – 300 m³/ha.
Fertilization. Additional fertilizers can be applied to increase production. Fertilization should be carried out in phases. Doses differ according to the soil, rainfall, and manure applied.
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Foliar fertilizers can also be applied, depending on the plant’s needs.
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Harvesting
The operation occurs in late autumn, starting in the second year after planting. Harvesting can be done semi-mechanically by dislodging the soil with a plow or manually with special forks or shovels. The roots should be cleaned of dirt, and ramifications removed and tied up. For a proper commercial appearance, they should be smooth, white-yellowish and 20-30 cm long. The horseradish crop gives economic yields for 2 – 4 years. After this period it is recommended to remove it.
