Watering is a crucial part of the potato growing process. The correct watering method can not only ensure the normal growth of potatoes, but also significantly improve the yield and quality. I will detail potato watering principles, frequency, considerations, and frequently asked questions to help growers better manage the water needs of potatoes.
The Water Requirements Of Potatoes
Potato is a crop with large water requirements, and its water requirements vary at each stage of its growth process. Generally speaking, the potato growth cycle can be divided into five stages: germination stage, seedling stage, seedling stage, potato stage and dormant stage, and water management is crucial in each stage.
1. Germination: Potatoes are in the germination stage from sowing to emergence. At this time, the soil moisture should be maintained at about 70% to 75% of the maximum field water capacity to promote the germination of seed potatoes and the development of roots. However, it should be noted that the germination period should not be over-watered, so as to avoid the occurrence of soil compaction or disease.
2. Seedling stage: from emergence to bud, potatoes enter the seedling stage. The plants grow slowly and require relatively little water. But keep the soil moist to avoid drought affecting the normal growth of seedlings. When watering, the principle of frequent irrigation with small water should be followed to avoid soil compaction caused by flood irrigation.
3. Seedling stage: from bud to flowering, potatoes enter the seedling stage. The plants are growing rapidly, their stems are flourishing, and their water needs are soaring. Soil moisture should be maintained at about 80% to 85% of the maximum field water capacity to meet the large water needs of the plant. However, it should be noted that excessive watering should be avoided during the growing period to cause the stem and leaves to grow empty, affecting the formation and yield of tubers.
4. Tuberosity stage: From flowering to tuber ripening, potatoes enter tuberosity stage. This is the critical period for tuber formation and expansion, and the need for water gradually decreases. Soil moisture should be maintained at about 70% to 75% of the maximum field water capacity to avoid excessive water resulting in tuber rot or disease.
5. Dormant stage: After the tuber ripens, the potato enters the dormant stage. At this point, the plant gradually wilts, the tuber enters a dormant state, and the water demand is extremely low. Watering should be stopped at this time to keep the soil dry to facilitate the storage and transportation of tubers.
The Watering Frequency Of Potatoes
The frequency of potato watering should be determined according to soil moisture, weather conditions, and the growing stage of the potato. In general, it is more appropriate to water every 2 to 3 days. However, the following points should be noted:
1. Soil moisture: Check the moisture and drainage of the soil before watering. The soil is too wet or water will cause the potato root respiration difficulty, affect the normal growth of the plant; However, too dry soil will lead to water shortage of plants, affecting yield and quality. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the soil moist, well ventilated, and undrained.
2. Weather conditions: In the dry season or high temperature weather, the water evaporation of potatoes increases, and the water demand also increases. At this time, the amount and frequency of watering should be appropriately increased to meet the water needs of the plant. However, in the rainy season or areas with more rain, attention should be paid to drainage to avoid the occurrence of diseases caused by excessive soil moisture or water accumulation.
3. Growth stage: As mentioned earlier, potatoes have different water requirements at different growth stages. Therefore, when watering, it is necessary to adjust the frequency and amount of watering according to the growth stage. The germination and seedling stage require less water, so watering times can be reduced appropriately. The growing period and the potato period require more water, should be appropriate to increase the watering times and watering amount.
Potatoes Watering Precautions
1. Avoid splashing: When watering, avoid splashing water onto the potato leaves. Water droplets on the leaves are easy to become the transmission medium of diseases and affect the healthy growth of potatoes. Therefore, when watering, try to pour water on the soil and avoid pouring it directly on the leaves.
2. Uniform irrigation: Irrigation of potatoes should be uniform and adequate. Soil compaction or uneven water distribution caused by flood irrigation should be avoided, which will affect potato growth and yield. Conditional growers can use drip irrigation, spray irrigation and other irrigation methods to achieve uniform irrigation and water conservation.
3. Appropriate fertilization: In the watering, the right amount of fertilizer or other nutrients can be added to promote potato growth and increase yield. However, it should be noted that the amount of fertilizer should not be too much, so as not to cause soil pollution or plant growth.
4. Pay attention to drainage: In the rainy season or areas with more rain, pay attention to drainage. Poor drainage can cause soil to become too wet or stagnant, affecting potato growth and yield. Therefore, when planting potatoes, it is necessary to choose well-drained plots and dredge drains in time during the rainy season.
5. Loosen the soil regularly: After watering, loosen the soil in time. Soil loosening can increase soil aeration and water permeability, which is conducive to potato root respiration and growth. At the same time, soil loosening can also destroy the living environment of germs and pests in the soil and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Potato Watering Common Problems And Solutions
1. Soil compaction: Soil compaction is caused by improper watering or poor soil texture. Soil compaction will affect the respiration and growth of potato roots and reduce the yield and quality. The solution is to strengthen the work of soil loosening and improve the soil texture; At the same time, drip irrigation, spray irrigation and other irrigation methods are used to reduce the damage to soil by flood irrigation.
2. Insufficient water: Insufficient water can cause potato plants to lack water, affecting growth and yield. The solution is to water and keep the soil moist; At the same time, strengthen drainage work to avoid soil water loss caused by water.
Excessive water: excessive water will cause difficulty in breathing of potato roots and affect the normal growth of plants; It also increases the risk of disease. The solution is to strengthen drainage work to avoid soil water; At the same time, reduce the number and amount of watering to keep the soil moderately moist.
3. Disease occurrence: improper watering is easy to cause potato disease. For example, water droplets splashing on the leaves are easy to become the medium of disease transmission; Too wet or stagnant soil can easily cause the breeding and spread of diseases. The solution is to use the right watering method to avoid water droplets splashing on the leaves; At the same time, strengthen drainage work to keep the soil moderately moist; Timely removal of diseased plants and leaves to reduce the spread and spread of diseases.
Conclusion
Potato watering management is a complicated and meticulous work. Only according to the soil moisture, weather conditions and potato growth stage to determine the watering time, frequency, watering amount and watering method, in order to achieve scientific irrigation and efficient management. It is hoped that this paper can provide useful reference and guidance for growers to help the high yield and high quality production of potato.
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