A Detailed Explanation of the Latest Precautions for Potato Planting
Potatoes are grown very widely in our country, and they are also one of the more important food crops in the world, with high nutritional value, and the nutrients in them are also very easily absorbed by the human body, and the market price is also very affordable, with a strong ability to adapt to the environment, and they are relatively simple to grow. However, some growers report that the quality and yield of the potatoes they grow are not high, and that is because there are many things they did not pay attention to when planting. Let us take a look together below.
1. Time
The climate difference between the north and south of our country is relatively large, so there will also be certain differences in the time for planting potatoes, but generally they are planted in the autumn and winter of each year, that is, around October to December. However, with current planting techniques and the development of science and technology, in many places they can basically be planted all year round. Still, according to the growth habits of potatoes, it is best to sow early at the right time, otherwise it will affect the growth and development of the potatoes.
2. Sprouting
About half a month before sowing, we should place the selected seed potatoes in a place with a certain amount of light for sprouting. Direct sunlight must be avoided, and the temperature of the sprouting area should be kept at around 15 to 20 degrees. If there is a cellar, they can be placed directly in the cellar for sprouting, because the temperature in the cellar is relatively higher. The sprouted buds should preferably be about 0.2 cm, and must not exceed 0.5 cm, otherwise the buds are easily damaged when cutting the pieces.
3. Cutting
Cutting potatoes is not done randomly. We must ensure that each potato piece has two to three buds, so as to ensure its emergence rate. Generally, we cut the pieces one day before sowing. When conditions allow, one potato should be cut into at most four pieces, while also ensuring that the buds of the potato are not damaged, and disinfecting with alcohol.
4. Sowing
The main things to pay attention to when sowing are the planting depth and planting density of the potato pieces. Generally, the planting depth should preferably be about 15 cm. With the buds facing upward, plant the potato pieces at a spacing of 60 to 70 cm per row and 25 to 30 cm per plant, then cover with a thin layer of soil, and at the same time cover with a layer of agricultural plastic film on top to keep warm and promote seedling emergence.
5. Temperature
Potatoes have requirements for the planting temperature. The most suitable temperature for potato growth is between 15 and 20 degrees, and generally they can sprout and grow normally at around 5 to 8 degrees. However, the temperature for the growth of potato stems and leaves and during the flowering period generally needs to reach between 18 and 25 degrees, and the nighttime temperature also needs to be around 12 to 15 degrees. The temperature difference between day and night must not be too large, so we need to have a general understanding of the field temperature and carry out scientific management.
6. Fertilizer and Water
The fertilizer most needed for potato growth is potassium fertilizer, then nitrogen fertilizer, and finally phosphorus fertilizer. However, before applying chemical fertilizers, it is best to first apply some farmyard manure or organic fertilizer, so that the soil's moisture retention and fertilizer retention effects as well as the soil structure can be improved to a certain extent, thereby promoting potato growth. At the same time, we must pay attention to water management. Potatoes need a large amount of water during their growth period and flowering period, but the water must not be excessive, otherwise it will cause soil compaction, thereby affecting the growth of the potato's underground tubers.
7. Hilling
During the growth of potatoes, hilling and loosening the soil are very important, because their tubers need to expand, so the underground soil must be relatively loose, and the soil permeability must be relatively good, while also having a relatively strong ability to absorb nutrients. Therefore, during their entire growth period, hilling and loosening the soil need to be carried out at least four to five times, so that the potato tubers grown will be relatively plump.