Soil cultivation before planting potatoes.
Soil cultivation before planting potatoes is an important step in growing this crop. The main rule is not to grow potatoes in the same place for two years in a row because of soil depletion and the risk of disease spread. For this purpose, we use a regular crop rotation: potatoes followed by wheat.
Autumn plowing is much more important than spring plowing, as it improves soil quality, increases its water and air permeability, promotes the accumulation of nutrients in the soil, evenly distributes organic residues of the predecessor and intermediate crops in the arable layer and grinds up weed rhizomes, many of which will not be able to sprout again afterwards.
After plowing, the soil becomes more loose, creating optimal conditions for potato growth. This is why deep turning of the topsoil in the fall is so important.
There are several different approaches to tillage, each of which has its own impact on soil conditions.
Autumn slotting is one of them. We carry it out to a depth of 35-40 cm before growing potatoes. It allows us not only to avoid possible spring stagnation of water in the lowlands, but also to accumulate enough moisture over the winter to reduce the negative impact of possible spring droughts. That is, slotting is the main technique for preserving moisture in the soil.
Another approach to soil cultivation is to use a deep tiller, which destroys compacted layers, allowing the plant roots to develop and allowing moisture and air to penetrate the soil.
Immediately before spring tillage, mineral fertilizers should be applied in appropriate doses and rates, taking into account soil fertility, the needs of the varieties and the direction of their use.
In spring, the soil must be loosened. We do this without turning the soil, preferably in dry weather. Loosening takes place to a depth of 12-15 centimeters for sandy and sandy loam soils.
So, preparing the soil for planting potatoes is the first step to getting a good result.
