High-yield and high-quality potato cultivation technology

Potato is an annual herbaceous plant of the Solanaceae family, also known as potato , yam egg, etc. It has the characteristics of wide adaptability, great yield increase potential and high economic benefits. It is widely planted and distributed in China. So how can potatoes be grown to achieve high yields? Let’s learn about the high-yield and high-quality potato cultivation techniques .

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Choose soil that is deep, loose, fertile and well permeable. Deep plowing and fine tillage can increase the active soil layer and improve the soil's ability to store water, retain fertilizer and resist drought. At the same time, apply 2,000 kg of fully decomposed farmyard manure or 100 kg of commercial organic fertilizer per mu, and then add 35-50 kg of triple compound fertilizer as base fertilizer depending on the soil conditions.

2. Seed potato selection

Potato tubers that are complete, brightly colored, free of pests, deformities, frostbite, and bud necrosis should be selected as seed potatoes.

3. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces

Cut the seed potatoes 1-2 days before sowing. Generally, each bud block should be cut into 50 grams (1 liang) in weight, and no less than 30 grams at the minimum, with 1-2 bud eyes. In addition, when cutting, be sure to disinfect the knives and diseased potatoes with 75% alcohol or potassium permanganate solution to prevent virus (bacteria) infection.

4. Sowing time

Under normal circumstances, as long as the soil temperature 5-10 cm below the planting surface remains stable at above 5-8℃ for 5 consecutive days, potatoes can be planted. When the local temperature reaches 8-10℃, the potato seeds can germinate and emerge from the soil.

5. Sowing method

With a row spacing of 33-36 cm and a plant spacing of 90 cm, sow one germinated seed potato in each hole. After sowing, cover the seed potatoes with soil from the furrow and level the ridge surface. The thickness of the soil covering is generally about 8 cm. If the soil covering is too shallow, the potatoes will be exposed and turn green, affecting the quality; if the soil covering is too thick, it will delay emergence and affect the yield.

6. Field management

Potatoes have high requirements for water and nutrients during their growth, and require appropriate amounts of water and fertilizer during the growth process. Especially during the flowering and heading stages, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is moist and apply top dressing in time. Generally, when the seedlings grow to 4-6 leaves after emerging from the soil, you can apply diluted manure or urea as a seedling-raising fertilizer, and combine topdressing with tillage, weeding and soil cultivation.

7. Harvest and storage

Harvest in time to avoid damaging the tubers, and dry in a cool and ventilated place. Control temperature and humidity during storage to prevent the tubers from sprouting, rotting or freezing.

In general, high-yield and high-quality potato cultivation technology requires comprehensive consideration of key points such as soil, seed potatoes, sowing, and management. Only by doing these meticulous work can we effectively improve the yield and quality of potatoes.