2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Is it difficult to grow a good potato crop? The yield of a crop primarily depends on the variety, soil and method of preparing the tubers for planting. The more we know about the characteristics of potatoes, the easier it will be to grow a good harvest
FEATURES OF POTATO.
* On the underground shoots of the plant (stolons), thickenings are formed, which turn into tubers during growth.
* On very young nodules, scales are formed, which, dying off, leave a mark. This mark is called the eyebrow, in the bosom of which a potato eye is formed.
* Each peephole contains 3-4 buds (maybe more). When sprouting tubers, one of the buds (central) is activated and germinates, the rest (dormant) buds are in reserve. Dormant buds begin to germinate when the central bud dies or is damaged. Sprouts of reserve buds are weaker than sprouts from the first bud, so the first sprouts should be kept intact and not broken off.
* Each variety is characterized by the shape of the tuber itself. But the potato tuber retains its varietal form under certain conditions, namely, growing on sandy loam soil and with optimal moisture. With an excess or lack of moisture, on heavy soils, tubers can change their shape.
* The color of the tubers is also a varietal trait. But, like the shape, it can change if the growing conditions are violated.
* Potatoes have a long dormant period for tubers. During this time, the food quality in the tubers does not decrease and their productivity is preserved.
* In potatoes, the root system is poorly developed in comparison with the aboveground part. There are only 30-40 grams of roots per 1 kg of tops.
* Compared to other vegetable crops, potato bushes consume much more nutrients from the soil. To get 1 kg of potatoes, the plant takes out 9 grams of potassium, 5 grams of nitrogen, 4 grams of calcium and 2 grams of magnesium and phosphorus from the soil. Most plants consume potassium and nitrogen. The lack of fertilizers, as well as their excess, negatively affect the plants and the yield. Therefore, the preparation of the soil for potatoes must be approached responsibly.
* The main mass of nutrients is consumed by potatoes in the first half of the growing season, when roots and aboveground organs grow intensively.
* The culture does not tolerate the content of soda and chlorine in the soil. In their presence, plants are inhibited, and tubers are practically not formed.
* Lack of oxygen with compacted soil or flooding of plantings with water (18-20 hours) leads to the death of plants.
* During the period of budding and flowering, when the vital activity of the tops is most strongly developed, the need for watering of plants increases in comparison with the initial period of growth.
* It is easier to grow a good crop when using quality potato tubers that are adapted to the local climate.
* The yield of potatoes when planting healthy tubers with long (up to 20 cm) white (etiolated), thick sprouts increases by one and a half to two times compared to planting tubers with sprouts 2-2.5 cm long.
* Pre-planting germination of tubers in the light allows the plant to develop more actively, more fully use the nutrients of the mother tuber, increases the content of starch and vitamins in tubers, and increases resistance to diseases and pests.
* Before planting, potato tubers should preferably be powdered with wood ash (2 matchboxes of ash per 1 kg of tubers). Ash prevents the development of harmful microflora, accelerates the development of plants, and enriches it with many microelements.
* The more trunks in a bush, the higher the potato yield. The more lush the greens, the better and more active photosynthesis, which means that the tubers will receive more nutrients.
* It is recommended to cut the potato tops a few days before harvesting. This procedure will accelerate the full maturation of the tubers and improve the density of the peel.
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