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Knowledge/Crops/Water Chestnut
Vegetables

Water Chestnut

Trapa natans

Water chestnut is an aquatic plant known for its edible corms, which are crisp and have a sweet, nutty flavor. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is valued for its nutritional benefits, including being low in calories and high in fiber. The plant has floating leaves and produces small white flowers, followed by the development of the corms underwater.

Calculate System for Water Chestnut
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Water chestnuts can be cultivated in shallow water bodies or flooded fields. Varieties include the Chinese water chestnut and the Japanese water chestnut, each with slight differences in taste and texture.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Pre-planting soil tests are recommended to adjust pH and nutrient levels.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Water chestnuts thrive in warm climates. In cooler regions, consider using floating row covers to protect plants from unexpected cold snaps.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Water Chestnut Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Water Chestnut field.

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Related Guides

Water Chestnut: A Guide to Growing and Irrigation

Water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) is a unique aquatic plant that is not only delicious but also offers great economic benefits. In this article, we will explore how to grow water chestnut and discuss efficient methods of irrigation to ensure optimal growth and yield. We will also highlight the advantages of using…

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