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Without
doubt parsnips benefit from good timely irrigation. They are
grown from seed, which is not easy to germinate. Irrigation
is often beneficial, although too much can destroy soil structure
and cause long term problems.
Once
germinated, parsnips normally develop tap roots, which grows
deeper much faster than they use the water at each layer.
Therefore they will continue to find water during this early
growth stage.
However,
there will come a time when water will be necessary. It depends
very much on the rooting depth. If parsnips only root to 30cm,
they will need to be watered much sooner than if they are
able to root to 50cm and beyond.
As
with most crops, yield is proportional to water use. So good
monitoring is essential.
Yield
will depend on the size of parsnip produced and the density.
If the size your customer requires is small, then there is
considerable scope for increasing the number of plants per
hectare. It is only by doing trials on your soil, with your
varieties and with your management regime will you be able
to reach optimum production per hectare.
Many
growers leave parnips 'til last, when it comes to watering,
but is this wise? Most growers rent land and therefore any
improvement in yield and quality will allow a reduction in
the land needed. An extra 5 tons per hectare will do wonders
for the bottom line of profit. (see
the cost benefit analysis on the carrot page)
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