Key Points of High-Yield Spring Potato Cultivation Techniques

Potato is a dual-purpose grain and vegetable crop. Its tubers are extremely resistant to storage and transportation, making it a major vegetable for balancing market supply during peak and off-seasons. Dianzi Township in Pingyin County has accumulated rich experience in potato cultivation and achieved significant economic benefits.

Land preparation and fertilization: In early March, once the soil has thawed, begin land preparation immediately. At the same time, through deep plowing and fine harrowing, apply 2000-3000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure and 50 kg of superphosphate per 667 sq m (1 mu), then mix evenly and level the soil.

Seed potato treatment: Select high-quality, high-yield, early-maturing virus-free Luyin No. 1 for the potato crop. 5-7 days before sowing, choose sunny and warm weather to spread disease-free and insect-damage-free seed potatoes flat on canvas for sun exposure until the buds turn green.

Cutting and planting: (1) Select the parts of the seed potato with buds and cut into pieces in a three-dimensional triangular shape, each piece weighing about 20-25 g. When cutting diseased seed potatoes, disinfect the knife with alcohol. (2) After cutting into pieces, soak them in a gibberellin solution at a concentration of 5 mg/kg. After 10 minutes, remove and air-dry, ready for sowing. (3) Planting density: row spacing 60 cm, plant spacing 20 cm, one plant per hole. Apply ternary compound fertilizer mixed with phoxim as seed fertilizer in the holes to prevent underground pest damage. Then fill the planting furrow with water. After the water has completely seeped in, plant the cut pieces, cover with 5 cm of soil, and finally cover with plastic film.

Field management: Focus on soil, fertilizer, and water management, with water being the main factor affecting yield. (1) Seedling stage management: Check for emergence 20 days after sowing. Release seedlings that have pushed against the film by breaking the film, and seal the openings tightly with soil. During this period, apply 10-20 kg of urea per 667 sq m combined with watering, then carry out intertillage and weeding to promote root development and plant growth. (2) Plant growth stage management: To prevent excessive vine growth, strictly control fertilizer and water. Try to avoid watering as long as the soil is not dry. When the plants close the rows, carry out earthing up. (3) Tuber formation stage management: Pay attention to watering during the flowering period. Generally, water once each at early flowering, full flowering, and late flowering stages to keep the soil consistently moist. In addition, at the early flowering stage, apply 20-25 kg of multi-element compound fertilizer per 667 sq m by flushing with water, spray potato tuber swelling agent on the leaves, and remove all the flowers that have bloomed.

Pest and disease control: The main pests and diseases are potato late blight, potato ring rot, and potato ladybug, which can be controlled with corresponding pesticides such as Nonglilai, Xijunsujing, and Aweichongqing respectively.

Harvest: Harvest from mid-to-late May to early June, choosing sunny days when the soil is appropriately dry.