Ridge quality and potato growth.

Abstract

Field and soil-bin experiments carried out for 10 yr indicate that potato growth can be considerably influenced by ridge quality, probably mainly by way of soil temp., soil m.c. and soil covering on the tubers. Under Netherlands conditions an opt.-quality ridge contains about 600 cm2 of loose soil in cross-section, has only a slightly flattened or a rounded top, has fine tilth (mean weighed diam. less than or equal to 8 mm and no clods >40 mm) and is situated on a medium-textured soil. Elsewhere, the opt. ridge, depending on climatic conditions, the occurrence of clods and stones and the predisposition for capping of the soil, can be deduced from the relationships discussed. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)