Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 63-72 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 64 2 Soil Conditions and Growth Requirements of Wu Yao 2.1 Wu Yao's requirements for soil pH, texture, and organic matter content The content of organic matter, that is, beneficial components such as humus in the soil, must reach a certain level for the normal growth of the black medicinal herb and the development of its root system will also be smoother. Among them, the pH value is particularly important for the medicinal herb of Wu. The pH value directly affects whether plants can effectively absorb nutrients and is also related to the activity and reproductive capacity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. According to the research by Wang et al. (2021), the most suitable pH range for the Chinese herbal medicine is slightly acidic to neutral. Within this range, its growth performance is relatively ideal and it absorbs nutrients more smoothly. Therefore, to grow Wu Yao well, it is very crucial to keep the soil pH within an appropriate range. Apart from pH value, the "particle structure" or "texture" of the soil also has a significant impact. Compared with sandy soil that drains too quickly and has poor water retention capacity, medium-grained soil like loam is more suitable for the medicinal herb. Loam soil can not only retain water and nutrients, but also provide more stable support for the roots, which is helpful for increasing the yield and quality of aconite (Wang et al., 2021; 2022a). 2.2 The impact of soil drainage and water retention on Wu Yao growth To grow well, Wu Yao also needs to rely on appropriate drainage and water retention properties. Good drainage can prevent soil water accumulation, prevent root rot or disease. At the same time, the soil should also be able to hold water, so that plants do not lack water during droughts. Research has shown that loam soil has better drainage and water retention properties than sandy soil; Sandy soil is prone to water loss and cannot retain water (Wang et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022). In some places where water resources are scarce, it is even more important to pay attention to how to use water efficiently. For example, methods such as micro irrigation can help soil with fast drainage retain some moisture, and Wu Yao can naturally benefit from it (Zhang et al., 2022). As long as the soil is maintained within a suitable humidity range, Wu Yao is more likely to grow healthily (Figure 1). 2.3 Regional variations in soil types and their adaptability for Wu Yao cultivation The soil in different regions varies greatly, which can also affect whether Wu Yao is suitable for planting there. Some places are clay, some are loam, and some are sandy soil. These types of soil have different characteristics and will have different effects on the growth of Wu Yao. For example, although clay can store a lot of water, it is prone to water accumulation; However, sandy soil has good drainage, but poor fertility and cannot retain water (Hamoud et al., 2019; Ahmad and Li, 2021). Different soils require different management methods. If it is a clay area, consideration can be given to making the soil more aerated and drainage smoother; If it is a sandy area, then we need to find ways to add more organic matter to allow the soil to retain more moisture. 3 Soil Improvement Methods 3.1 Organic soil improvement materials Organic substances like compost, green manure and biochar are quite effective in improving soil structure and increasing fertility, which can help plants grow better and of higher quality. Compost and green manure contain rich organic components, which can make the nutrients in the soil more easily absorbed by plants. At the same time, they can also activate beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which is particularly beneficial for root growth and can enhance the ability of roots to absorb nutrients (Zeng et al., 2023). The role of biochar is also significant. It can enhance soil aeration and water retention, making it suitable for regulating soil conditions and facilitating the healthy growth of plants. In addition, it can also reduce soil acidity and enhance the soil's ability to retain nutrients, thereby enabling plants to better obtain the required elements (Mao et al., 2021; Huang, 2024). After using these organic materials, plants usually grow faster and taller in the early stage, and their dry weight also increases significantly. This effect is related to some reactions within plants, such as the production of more antioxidant substances and pigments that are beneficial to photosynthesis, thereby enhancing health levels and yields. In addition, these amendments can also prevent the loss of fertilizers in the soil, reduce the risk of soil being washed away by rainwater, and maintain soil fertility for a longer time (Mao et al., 2021).
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