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Good soil management is fundamental for competitive potato production, it leads to improved production and yield along with savings in water and nutrient use. However, a number of soil management issues are associated with potato production, recognition and management of which are a legal requirement covered by cross compliance regulations.
Soil biology and fertility
Yield/Quality
Slumping and Capping
Waterlogging
Compaction
Wind Erosion
Water Erosion
A good level of soil organic matter improves structure, workability, moisture and nutrient holding capacity. The intensive cultivations of potato seed bed preparation can contribute to gradual loss of organic matter. Soils contain many living organisms ranging from microscopic bacteria and fungi to burrowing animals of which earthworms are the most obvious. All play a part in maintaining the natural processes which are vital for maintaining the fertility of the soil. If soil pH, aeration (including drainage where necessary) and particularly organic matter are managed carefully the biological activity can function effectively and largely take care of itself.
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To achieve optimum nutrient and water uptake, potatoes need to be planted in a soil that is freely rootable. Any resistance in soils either as capping, slumping or compaction will restrict and slow down root development and plant emergence. Restricted root development limits the uptake of available nutrients and water, this together with delayed emergence and canopy development has the potential to reduce yield.
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Surface capping can delay crop emergence by 4-5 days and it has been suggested can reduce population density· Slumping of soils can delay crop emergence and result in clods being lifted at harvest increasing risk of damage to crop. Following harvest, to minimise the risk of capping and runoff on sandy and silty soils, rough plough to produce a cloddy coarse seed bed.
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Compacted soils increase the risk of waterlogging, when soils are waterlogged the crop cannot uptake nutrients, leading to reduced crop canopy and yield. Waterlogging may lead to an increased incidence of tuber rot disease.
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The potato crop is highly sensitive to compaction as it impedes root growth which restricts nutrient and water uptake, leading to reduction in crop canopy affecting yield and quality. Increased fertiliser application and irrigation will partially overcome the effects of soil compaction but increase input costs.
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A survey by Cambridge University Farms of 602 commercial fields between 1992 and 2004 revealed that two thirds of fields have a serious impediment to rooting within the potential root profile.
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In a BPC survey of 200 growers:-- Compaction was identified as the mostly likely soil structural problem for potato growers- Compaction was often as a result of having to cultivate land for seed bed preparation in less than ideal conditions.
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Prior to the crop canopy being developed, on sandy soils wind can erode drills and level furrows. Where land is at risk from wind erosion, the risk can be minimised by small field size surrounded by wind breaks, using quickly established cover crops so land is not left bare, increasing organic matter by incorporation of cover crops, FYM, compost etc. Ideally, land cultivations should only be carried out shortly before planting. On fields highly susceptible to wind erosion, the use of fleece may protect newly planted crops.
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The biggest risk of soil loss occurs on sandy and light silty soils as they have an inherent low stability. The risk is particularly severe where rows or beds are planted up and down slopes. As well as the environmental damage caused by nutrient and agrochemical loss to water there is increased risk of crop greening which reduces crop quality and saleable yield.
Where irrigation is used it should be applied evenly at moderate rates, with appropriate droplet size (not too big) in order to minimise surface sealing, water runoff and erosion.
Techniques to hold back water such as using tied ridges or forming indentations in the row/bed surface can help reduce erosion. Water infiltration can also be improved by running a tine through the furrow bottom after planting.
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Publication
Soil, water and other legislation: Impacts on UK potato production  (915kb)
For more information about potatoes go to the British Potato Council's website: http://www.potato.org.uk/
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