Key Field Management Techniques for Growing Potatoes
Potatoes, also known as Irish potatoes, yams and so on, occupy an important place in both Western and Chinese cuisine and are deeply loved by people. So, how should potatoes be managed in the field?
1. Water and soil management
Throughout the growth process of potatoes, from sowing to maturity, the water demand at every stage is very high. The soil must be kept moist, and the soil moisture content must be kept at 60% or above at the minimum. After sowing, water each furrow thoroughly to moisten the soil, and at the same time use herbicide after sowing to clear the weeds from the field. During the seedling stage, if high temperatures and drought occur, the water in each furrow must be replenished again. The seedling stage is when potatoes need water the most, so the soil must be kept fully moist. However, at the final maturity stage of the potatoes, water should not be excessive, because too much water will worsen the aeration of the soil, and the potatoes will be unable to breathe, leading to rotten tubers. Therefore, during the maturity stage, pay attention to field drainage in rainy weather.
2. Intertillage and fertilization
Potatoes are not only a crop with high water demand, they also have high yields, so they also need a large amount of fertilizer. The more fertilizer applied, the higher the yield. During the seedling stage of potatoes, apply a heavy dose of quick-acting fertilizer to promote the seedlings, in order to increase the growth rate and health of the seedlings. Half a month after emergence, carry out the first intertillage and turning of the soil, mixing urea with potassium chloride and scattering it on the soil. When flower buds appear, begin the second intertillage, scattering compound fertilizer and urea, etc., into each potato hill. However, when using chemical fertilizers, be careful not to let the stems of the potatoes come into contact with the fertilizer, to prevent the stems from being burned by contact with the fertilizer.
3. Disease control
Pests and diseases have always been factors affecting the yield and quality of potatoes and indeed all crops, so during the growth of potatoes, pest and disease control must be done well. The diseases that harm potatoes include early and late blight, dry rot and a series of other diseases. First, when selecting varieties, we can choose disease-free varieties and appropriately advance the sowing time. If fungal diseases are found, use pesticides promptly for control to prevent them from worsening further. Agents such as Anke mancozeb can be sprayed once a week for about one month.
4. Timely harvesting
When the stems and leaves of the potatoes are found to begin turning yellow and withered, it means the potatoes are basically mature and can be harvested. Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvesting. One week before harvesting, cut off part of the stems and leaves in the field to let the potatoes undergo their final maturation in the ground. Harvesting is best done on a sunny day. When digging, be careful to avoid damaging the potatoes, and the dug-out potatoes should be protected from prolonged exposure to the sun; if the potato skins are exposed to sunlight for too long, they will turn green, affecting their appearance and quality.
The above are the key field management points for potatoes. We hope they can help you!