How to increase the potato yield

A high yield of potatoes is the goal of any farmer and a simple gardener. What ways and this can be achieved, we will tell in this article.

Planting potatoes is an important and indispensable stage of annual garden works, in fact this root crop in our country is the most popular and popular. Both in terms of its taste and nutritional value, potatoes are in the lead among other crops.

The potato yield depends on many factors. First of all, it is, of course, determined by the grade and quality of the material that you prepared for planting. Time factor and conditions of growth (soil, weather and climate conditions), as well as fertilizers, care and culture-predecessors on the chosen bed are of great importance.

Excellent for potato suited sandy loam, sand and other types of soil, which are characterized by a good air and moisture permeable structure. However, the highest yield is observed if potatoes were planted on chernozem or specially prepared cultivated peat bogs. Solonchak and clay soils for this culture is better not to choose.

The next stage is the selection of the variety for planting. Definitely to say, which potato yield will be better, and which - worse, it is impossible. But here there are nuances. So, if one grows the same variety on the same place for many years in a row, it will degenerate, accordingly, the total potato yield from year to year will tend to decrease. To avoid this, it is recommended to alternate the material for planting every 2-3 years, while giving preference to the quality products of the best breeders (in particular, Dutch varieties).

Ideal predecessors of potatoes are cereals, legumes , forage grasses, and siderates. But the nightshade is better not to plant on the land on which in the next year you plan to plant your favorite root crop.

The yield of potatoes largely depends on the chosen planting time. As a result of long-term observations, it can be concluded that the root crop reacts poorly for a very early planting period - the upper layers of the soil are still not warm enough at this time. Optimal to determine the date of planting is possible by looking at the birch growing near your garden. When a tree with the size of a 5-penny coin appears on the tree, then proceed.

To potato yield was high, before planting, you should carefully sort tubers, while rejecting decayed, parsley-affected specimens, as well as those that have cracks, pear-shaped or elongated shape. The optimal weight of one potato per plant is about 50-80 g.

An important role in the high yield is played by the method of planting, which, depending on the type of soil and climatic conditions, can be smooth or combed. The first option ensures the least evaporation of moisture from the soil, but with the second the earth is better heated and ventilated.

Beneficial effect on the harvest and timely process of soil fertilization organic (compost, bird droppings, manure) or fertilizer.

Do not forget about timely weeding, watering in arid days, hilling the potato beds, as well as the use of effective pest control.

Many gardeners are worried about the question of how to plant potatoes. Indeed, the depth of planting tubers for yields is also affected. Everything depends on the soil. So, the depth of planting in the loam should be 4-6 cm, and in the lungs of the soil - 14-16 cm. At the same time, it is necessary to observe this principle. The smaller the tuber, the worse the result will be its deep embedding.

As practice shows, the potato, vernalized before planting, rises faster and better. Vernalization (germination) of tubers is carried out in the light (at the window on the table, on the windowsill, opposite the window) at a room temperature of 12-15 degrees Celsius.