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Drip irrigation in Potatoes for quality and yield. As can be seen from previous page, watering potatoes is not straightforward and usually leads to the consideration of drip. This allows the 'correct' application of water at the right time. Firstly we have to identify this and then, with the 'correct' system, apply as needed. What can be achieved with drip? 1. Improvement of quality. 2. Improvement in yield. 3. Reduction in use of fertilisers. 4. Better use of the nutrients applied. 5. More efficient water use.
As can be seen above, drip has resulted in an increase in yield, shape, skin finish and uniformity compared with the 'boom' irrigated and the unirrigated. What is this worth? An extra five tons per acre and an increase in quality in '99 could easily be worth £1,000 per acre extra income (profit). Can you afford to continue producing less than top quality potatoes? What are the next steps? 1. With good irrigation we now know we can reach optimum size of tuber (most people plant at a certain spacing to achieve the 'correct' size) and therefore tuber spacing could be increased. 20% increase in tubers planted could easily equate to 20% more yield. 2. This extra size and yield may necessitate a change in ridge shape and size to accommodate this. Growing an extra 10 tons per acre and then throwing away 8 tons of 'greens' is now a good idea! 3. Investigate fertigation. Putting on the 'correct' amount of fertiliser at the 'correct' time can have a considerable effect on output. A colleague in Holland has produced 33 tons per acre using 94kg per ha of N for the last couple of years by knowing what he is doing. 4. Discuss the 'best' irrigation designs to achieve your aims. Important points to consider when choosing a system. · Likely water spread on your soil - · Dripper spacing · Row length · Row spacing · Effect of slopes · Fertigation regime · Likely needs of the crop Examples of drip irrigation data. |
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