It is only profit that counts in the end, which is all about marketable yield.

The points that are important are:

• Watering to achieve germination
• Soil structure
• Yield
• Fertiliser uptake
• Shape
• Quality
• Chemical efficacy
• Shelf life
• Taste

1. Watering to germinate: In most seasons the actions of de-clodding\stoning and planting will create a deficit and most growers have to water to get reliable germination. They need to know how much, when and maybe whether to repeat the exercise. If they do not monitor 'correctly' they will not know the answers to these questions. If too much water is applied then the 'expensive' nematocides will be washed below the necessary depth for them to work efficiently. If they get 'fanging' from day one the crop will never be a good one.
2. Soil structure: the soil after planting is often very 'fluffy' - is this good or bad? How does it affect the water movement and usage? What are the normal rooting habits of carrots?
3. Yield is proportional to water use - any reduction in water use, caused by lack of water is going to reduce yield and will probably affect quality.
4. Fertiliser uptake will definitely be affected buy bad watering. How will this affect your crop? You need to know.
5. How does bad watering affect shape? When there is a shortage of water the biggest seem to grab the majority, which means the big get bigger and the small remain small, and often loose shape as they 'hunt' for water.
6. Chemicals are often applied to carrots to help prevent cavity spot etc. The uptake of these chemicals will be adversely affected by bad watering.
7. Shelf life will also be affected by bad watering. It is very simple to do your own 'trials' to prove this to yourself and your customers.
8. Taste is so important, but it is hardly ever considered by growers. But, the paying customer will buy more if the commodity tastes 'good'. All crops can be made to taste better or worse by the way they are grown - no doubt carrots are the same.

{Back to the index}