Water Chestnut growth stages

This article was first published in the Summer Audio Update 2012 issue and was written by Monica Williams, Wildlife Biologist at the Long Island NWR Complex in Shirley, NY.. a highly invasive aquatic plant, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was introduced to North America in the late 1800s. This floating annual plant has green, glossy, triangular leaves and stems that can grow up to 16 feet long. Water chestnut produces a black nut with a sharp pin, containing a fleshy seed that forms a white flower in midsummer. Water chestnut can be found in the northeastern United States, where it invades ponds, lakes, and rivers. It forms dense floating mats that soak up the water in shallow areas and along shores. It also limits light and reduces oxygen levels for plants and animals living in the water column. This non-native invasive plant competes with native vegetation, has little value to wildlife, and affects recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming.

Recognized by the government

Interestingly, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has no data on water chestnut cultivation in the country.

When Gaon Connection contacted an official from the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing in Satna, he informed that data on the number of singhara farmers had never been requested before and the Department has no record of it.

What are Water Chestnuts?

Water chestnuts are grass-like plants native to Asian countries and sometimes also found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Water chestnuts are extremely useful plants. Not only are they used in cooking but they are packed with nutrients and have amazing health benefits. Although the name may suggest it, a water chestnut is not actually a nut. It is an aquatic vegetable that grows underwater in muddy areas and marshes. You will often find water in ponds as they provide an excellent environment for growing water chestnuts.

Water chestnuts are a great source of antioxidants that protect the body against several diseases and disorders. Water chestnuts are low in calories and can help control hunger, making them ideal for dieters. They are also rich in fiber, which is why they improve digestive health. Due to the presence of zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin E, water chestnuts are great for your hair.

Soil and land selection for the cultivation of the Water Chestnut

Because the Water Chestnut is an aquatic plant, the soil does not play such an important role in its cultivation. But it is found that water chestnut gives a better crop yield when the soil of the water bodies is rich, friable with manure or well fertilized.

Choose land with a smooth slope without low spots where water can collect and pool. This is important for chestnut trees as they are prone to “wet feet” and will not survive without a good surface and drainage. Chestnut trees grow best in well-drained, deep, fertile, moist to sandy loam soil with good aeration and a soil pH level of 6.5 to 7.2. They prefer soils and climatic conditions that require peach and stone fruit trees. Do not plant in heavy clay soils and soils with a pH level above 6.5. If the pH level is high, annual applications of agricultural sulfur and a sulfur-based fertilizer such as ammonium sulfate instead of ammonium nitrate must be applied. This will help to reduce the pH level. Modifying the pH is a slow process and the soil must be tested and adjusted annually.