Soil is the farmer’s most valuable resource. Enhancing the soil quality will have obvious advantages for both the company and the environment. Potato growers can unleash the potential of their soil by identifying and addressing its limits. By understanding their soils, farmers can lower the risks and expenses associated with erosion, water runoff, and soil degradation.

Today’s tractor operator sits far away from the soil. A tractor with a lot of horsepower can till the soil and plants more than it could in the past, endangering both. When it comes to soil preparation and planting, growers and operators must understand the importance of soil conditions. For years to come, as well as for the current crop, optimal production can be achieved through effective soil management. It is more than just fulfilling the requirements for cross-compliance.

Threats to Soils

Loss of soil structure. Slumping, capping, and compaction can result from improper activity scheduling and excessive soil work. These issues can limit the amount of water that roots can access, the amount of soil that they can investigate, and soil aeration. The result is a decline in tuber and foliage growth. Structural issues promote water runoff and decrease water infiltration. Watercourse contamination, crop damage, flooding, and soil erosion result from this. The risk is increased by low crop cover, long steep slopes, and less organic matter.

Climate change. Heavier rain events result in waterlogged fields. Drier summers increase the need for irrigation. Dealing with these effects may mean increased drainage needs and more soil erosion.

Contamination. Brown water leaving a field is a sign that soil, pesticides, and nutrients are washing off your land. Where this occurs it increases the cost of treating water for human consumption and can cause environmental damage and loss of biodiversity.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 4 of Potato Business Digital 2024 magazine, which you can access by clicking here.