Abstract:
【Objective】 To investigate the current status and development trends of ecological cultivation of medicinal plants in Xinjiang, and propose recommendations and strategies for advancing regional ecological planting practices.
【Methods】 The study employed literature review, questionnaire surveys, and field investigations to assess the ecological cultivation of medicinal plants in Xinjiang.Key regions, including Urumqi, Altay (Northern Xinjiang), Kashgar, and Hotan (Southern Xinjiang), were surveyed to analyze main cultivated varieties, planting areas, cultivation models, management entities, and comprehensive benefits.
【Results】 Xinjiang has established an ecological cultivation industry for medicinal plants, focusing on authentic species such as Cistanche deserticola, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Fritillaria, Arnebia euchroma, Carthamus tinctorius, and Hippophae rhamnoides.Distinctive cultivation models include under-forest planting, wild nurturing, intercropping (e.g., grain-medicine, cotton-medicine, and mixed medicinal crops), crop rotation, landscape ecological planting, and eco-tourism integration.However, challenges persist, including insufficient foundational research on ecological models and lagging standardization.
【Conclusion】 To enhance the ecological cultivation industry, Xinjiang should leverage regional advantages by selecting suitable species and cultivation models, strengthening policy support, and improving development mechanisms.Addressing research gaps and accelerating standardization are critical for sustainable growth.