Published Aug 24, 2023
A potato, scientifically called Solanum tuberosum, is a little plant with large leaves. We eat the part that grows underground, called a tuber. Potatoes come in various shapes and sizes.
Potatoes prefer good quality loam soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Amend the soil if necessary to achieve the ideal pH range of 5.2 to 6.4
To prepare the land, start by plowing the field 20-25 cm deep with a soil-turning plow. Then, follow up with two to three cross harrowing or four to five plowings using a local plow.
Potatoes often use sprinklers for watering. Popular methods are center pivot, wheel line, and solid set systems. Sprinklers are versatile and spread fertilisers and pesticides too.
The primary harvest time is when most leaves turn yellow-brown. Then, the tops are trimmed near the ground. After 8-10 days, ploughing extracts the potatoes.
Before planting, use pre-plant tillage to tackle early weeds. Cultivate the field gently, 2-3 days before potatoes sprout, with tools like finger weeders or shallow cultivators.