When to irrigate potatoes and how to do it with the drip method? When do potatoes need watering?

Choose optimal timing for watering potatoes important point for all gardeners. In addition, it is necessary to clearly understand exactly how much water should be given to plants in a given period. The lack of water, along with its excess, can lead to loss of yield in this crop.

Do potatoes need to be watered?

The question of whether potatoes need regular watering cannot be answered unambiguously. Some summer residents declare with full confidence that they are not used to watering potatoes, and their crops are no worse than those of their neighbors, who daily fill the ridges with this crop with water. In fact, watering potatoes is necessary in the same way as other vegetable plants. The only question is what ground is reserved for it.

On heavy and dense soils high humidity especially during the rainy season. If puddles constantly remain on the site, especially on paths or aisles, it is better not to water. In the event that the soil in the area with potatoes is sandy, and the year was not very generous with rainfall, you will have to water the potatoes throughout the growing season.

When to water potatoes (video)

How best to water potatoes: all the ways

There are not many ways to water potatoes, and all of them can be divided into two large groups:

Watering by hand

The first paragraph includes the classic methods of delivering moisture to the roots of plants - watering cans, buckets or hoses, which the gardener will have to independently bring to each bush. The advantage of this method is the point effect. It is ideal for owners of small plots with potatoes. At the same time, it will be possible to water the potatoes not by a continuous method, but selectively, delivering moisture to specific plants.

It is important to remember that one plant needs no more than 4 liters of water, and it should be delivered to the roots in portions, approximately one liter per nest. After complete absorption of moisture, about a liter of water is again poured under the already watered bush, and after absorption, the procedure is repeated. It will not be difficult to do this with buckets and watering cans, but it will be much easier to water with a hose, at the end of which a sprayer is put on (to avoid erosion of the soil at the roots). Wetting upper layer soils on one row or square, start watering another, and then return again to the already spilled area.

The disadvantage of this method is the inability to control how much water is poured under one bush.

mechanized watering

The second group of methods includes sprinkling or drip irrigation, which spray liquid over plants, or deliver it directly to the roots (plants for drip irrigation of the root system). They are ideal for large planting areas and are especially valuable for those summer residents who cannot carry heavy buckets and watering cans on their own.

Irrigation systems are installed on a site above the soil surface (sprinkler) or distributed in the form of networks on or under its surface. The first option is suitable for watering before flowering potatoes and immediately after it, as there is a risk of washing off pollen, which will inevitably lead to a decrease in yield. In addition, it is important to choose the right droplet size: too large ones will compact the soil, which the potato cannot tolerate, and too small ones simply will not moisten the soil, settling on the leaves and evaporating. The second option is convenient in that water drops will penetrate directly to the roots of plants, without compacting the soil and without affecting the formation of a crust on its surface.

The disadvantage of using irrigation systems is one - high price irrigation installations and additional equipment such as special timers and water dispensers.

Watering rules

  • First and most important rule watering potatoes - the so-called "summer" water temperature. Plants from the Solanaceae family, to which this crop belongs, have very delicate suction roots that begin to rot if they are watered. cold water. That is why it is better to warm up the water intended for irrigation during the day in the sun.
  • Rule two - the beginning of watering should coincide with the appearance of 10-centimeter shoots above the soil surface. At the moment when planting is carried out, it is better to protect the seed potatoes from excessive moisture, since the tuber or part of it may rot before taking root. In general, at the stage of germination, soil moisture is sufficient for it.
  • At this time, you need to increase the amount of moisture and the amount of watering. On average, under a bush in the absence of precipitation, 5-6 liters of water are poured 2-3 times a week. After shedding flowers, watering is again reduced to 1 time per week, 4 liters of water per plant. The next period when the potatoes need regular watering is the pouring of tubers.
  • It is also important calculate the amount of water depending on the air temperature and humidity in the atmosphere. In dry and hot weather, the number of waterings is increased up to 6 times a month, and with the onset of cool weather, reduced to 3-4 times. The volume of water in this case varies from 6 to 12 liters per plant.

A good way to increase soil moisture in the heat is loosening or mulching. For summer residents, these methods of moisture retention are called "dry watering". The method helps to reduce the amount of water poured under each bush and allows you to increase the periods between water recharges.

Signs of excess and lack of moisture

Both lack and excess of moisture on different stages potato growth negatively affects yields. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the bushes in order to determine in time that they really need watering.

You can determine the lack of moisture under potatoes by the following signs:

  • a decrease in the turgor of leaves and stems, in which they droop, look lethargic and brighten;
  • the stems stop growing, and the formed buds do not open;
  • individual stems, usually the smallest, die off completely.

An excess of moisture most often causes an outbreak of fungal diseases and decay of the underground part of the plant, which is expressed by the following symptoms:

  • leaf blades droop, as with a lack of moisture, but at the same time look darker and slightly watery;
  • weeping spots appear on the stems, especially in their lower part, sometimes they are covered with a bloom of white or gray color(mycelium);
  • potato tubers remain small, begin to rot.

Especially dangerous for potatoes is a lack or excess of moisture that occurred at the stage of tuber formation, simultaneously with flowering. During this period, it is already possible to lose 60% of the crop due to untimely and irregular watering, while in the process of filling tubers, drought or stagnant moisture reduces the number and quality of tubers by a maximum of 20%.

You can determine the right moment when the soil is dry enough for the next watering. in a simple way- sticking his hand to a depth of 10 cm into the soil. If it is covered with dust, and not with slightly damp lumps of soil, it is time to water the potatoes.

Drip irrigation of potatoes (video)

Watering or not watering potatoes in a particular field, under certain weather and soil composition, can only be decided by the owner of the site, who daily monitors the state of plantings. The line between excess and lack of water in potatoes is very thin, but it can be tracked very easily.

​Related Articles​

In other cases, in good soil, potatoes do not need watering.

When to water potatoes after planting in the ground?

It is desirable to water so many times and in such a volume that the soil does not turn into a solid suspension. You can do it differently to save water and visit the garden - where the root of the plant is - we pour a small pile of dry leaves and moisten them, then they will continue to retain moisture for a long time.

I water my potatoes twice a week. The main thing is to water it when it begins to bloom. at this time, tubers begin to form. and when it re-blooms, you can once so that the tubers do not become lethargic from hot earth. Look how it smells on me. I think you understood me correctly.

  • If you can provide constant and timely watering.
  • After watering, be sure to loosen the soil, preventing the formation of a crust;
  • Watering potatoes directly depends on the climate in your region and how often it rains.

The minimum volume of water per bush is 3 liters. The specific amount of moisture is determined based on weather conditions, soil type and potato variety. Light, loose soils require more watering than loams and chernozems.

Timing and amount of watering in hot weather

The beginning of this period of time coincides with the end of flowering.

  • How to properly water potatoes to get early harvest? The first watering is carried out in the middle of the bush, when the sprouts rise by 5–10 cm. At the same time, at least three liters of moisture should fall on each bush. Receiving a sufficient amount of moisture at this time, the bushes develop not only the aerial part, but also give stolons diverging to the sides.
  • At the same time, experienced potato growers answered the question: “Should potatoes be watered?” answer that watering is necessary. After all, the rains in the summer months are extremely irregular, and the gardener cannot be sure that the roots of the plant do not lack moisture. And in some regions, the heat is accompanied strong winds facilitating the evaporation of moisture from the soil. How do the dates change in this case, how often to water the potatoes in open field in windy sunny weather?

Potatoes are extremely sensitive to lack of moisture in the soil. The not too extensive, reaching a depth of 30 cm, the root system of this culture has a significant load. In a short growing season, the plant not only grows a large amount of greenery, but should also give what it is cultivated for - tubers.

  • the rain will pour
  • Every year we plant potatoes in our parents' garden, but we don't water them. Rainwater is enough to harvest a bountiful potato crop in autumn. But if you want, you can also water occasionally, if there is a drought, for example. It will not be superfluous.
  • Definitely needed. We had +50 in the summer, with constant watering collected 5 sacks of potatoes (large - 3), although in previous years they collected only 1.5 -2 sacks from the same area.​

Features and terms of watering early potatoes

Otherwise, when watering is not regulated and scarce, you will get boiled. no better than without watering.

​when irrigating from a hose, place the sprayer and do not direct the jet directly at the potato bush;​

In order for the potato planted by you to give a decent harvest, it will need proper care. Now let's figure out when you need to water the potatoes after planting, because this is what you need to pay special attention to.

There are different opinions on how to properly water potatoes:

  • The ripening of the future crop ends with the death of the tops.
  • Compared to potatoes autumn collection, early varieties consume less water, but do it more intensively. Therefore, it is unacceptable for the soil under the plants to dry out.

In such weather, potatoes need abundant watering every 4-5 days.

Watering during the emergence and growth of tubers

How to choose the optimal time for watering, how often to water potatoes in the open field so that the crop does not disappoint either in quantity or quality? With a lack of moisture, it is not worth waiting for a good harvest of potatoes. But the excessive water content in the soil will also not be beneficial.

If until autumn, then at least 4 times.

  • Of course, you need to look at what kind of weather you have and what humidity. You need to water the potatoes while watching the ground. If it is dry, then water the potatoes. In our region, the summer is very hot, so you have to water often.
  • We water every year, this one was no exception, our summer will not grow without watering, it is always very hot, we plant it for food until autumn, we dig a constant crop of five buckets, enough from the end of June to September, cf. Volga
  • For the formation of potato tubers, a temperature of no higher than 20 degrees is required and, of course, moist soil is desirable, but loose enough, the potato forms an underground stem (tuber) and, like any stem, needs a lot of oxygen. All nightshades are watered rarely, but plentifully.

Light soils should be irrigated more often, and heavy soils less often, but it is worth remembering that everything is good only in moderation.

How to water potatoes correctly to avoid scab, cracks and deformities on tubers?

On the very initial stage after planting, before shoots appear, the development of the root system occurs, which, with moderate moisture, grows deep into the soil and branches. If during this period the soil is too wet, then root system lies almost under the surface, which will further complicate the extraction of moisture for the plant. From this we conclude that potatoes should not be watered immediately after planting.

Some gardeners consider watering under the root a priority.

Creating comfortable conditions for potatoes

For one watering, plants should receive about 20 liters of water, it is this amount that can completely wet the arable layer.

  • If the hand submerged to the depth of the fingers in the ground remains dry, should the potatoes be watered? Yes, this is a sure sign that plants are "thirsty."
  • If the air temperature is moderate, you can water the plantings no more than once every 8–10 days.

Until the first leaves appear above the ground, the potatoes do not need much additional watering. If the planting took place on wet ground, then at first this moisture is quite enough for the plant. But with the development of the plant, and especially with the beginning of the formation of buds, the need increases dramatically.

  • In general, I never water.
  • In villages, potatoes are not watered at all (not everywhere, of course, but in most places) and it grows without problems.
  • At the dacha, about 5 acres are allotted for potatoes, at every opportunity I throw a hose into the potatoes, the result is 7-8 bags per hundred, we don’t collect a trifle ... though the varieties are good ... but of course you won’t be able to water in the field

Dry watering and mulch - an effective addition to watering

Those who watered potatoes this summer got a good harvest.

Ordinary loosening among agronomists-gardeners is called dry watering. Therefore, if you live in a region with a humid climate, watering can and should even be replaced by loosening. Moisture is retained in the ground, air is easier to reach the roots, which contributes to the ideal development of the plant.

Watering potatoes - video

glav-dacha.ru

When to water potatoes after planting?

The greatest need for watering occurs in June-July, during the period when budding and flowering occur. If at this time the weather does not spoil you with rain, then you should definitely resort to watering, otherwise there will be a chance that the crop will be the size of peas.

Others prefer to moisten furrow plantings.

In order to avoid the development of late blight, you need to water the potatoes so that by night, when the air temperature drops, the foliage is dry.

When and how much to water potatoes?

As the bush develops, the volume of moisture consumed grows to 6 liters per day.

​Although solar energy and heat are necessary for plants, lack of moisture or irregular unscheduled watering can adversely affect both the number of tubers and their quality:

The time when it is simply necessary to water the potatoes after planting comes:

How to water potatoes in the country?

Depends on the climate in your area, if there is no rain from spring to autumn, nothing will grow without watering.

During the long absence of rain early potatoes Irrigation has a good effect, after which the soil is loosened to retain moisture.

womanadvice.ru

do you need to water the potatoes this year there was a drought and the potatoes are small

Kostenko Sergey

When large, but ugly potatoes are found when digging up tubers, this is perplexing for many gardeners. Really uneven tubers irregular shape- this is the result of irregular watering, between which the plants have been in conditions of moisture deficiency for a long time.

Petr Tulupov

Considering that part of the water evaporates from the soil, then at least 12 liters of moisture should fall under each plant in hot, dry weather.

crab

When potatoes are watered after planting for the first time, this ensures the growth of the above-ground part of the plant.

Tatiana Pavlyushchik

When potato sprouts rise 5–10 cm above the ground, that is, 2 weeks after the seedlings hatch;

victoria chaikovskaya

It is advisable to water after germination, before flowering and after flowering. If the ground is dry at a depth of 5 cm, you need to water it! And not just sprinkle from above, but so that the earth gets wet to the full depth.
According to my observations, in large fields, potatoes are not watered at all, but only hilled. But in the dry season, watering is still required, especially during the budding period. It is at this time that tubers are laid and water is needed for their growth. On the suburban area it can be quite organized, that is, it is good to water between the rows. This will be enough for central Russia.

Maria Suspitsina

Potatoes must be watered before hilling and before flowering, if there is no rain. This is necessary so that the potatoes pick up buds, bloom well and amicably. Harvest depends on friendly flowering. After flowering, if drought, it is also necessary to water early in the morning or in the evening. How many times? If possible more often as the soil dries out. And if the soil is moist, you don't need to water it. There is no harm from watering, only benefit.

Marina Crow

I watered the potatoes all summer, collected half as much as last year, when it rained on time. I consider it my mistake that I did not do water-charging irrigation before planting, although they write that it is inefficient. Autumn last year was dry, there was also little snow and planted in dryish ground, hoping for rain ... no matter how much you water, you can only wet the top, at a depth it is dry. But without watering, there would not even be greenery.

Lina Sakharnova

You need to water during drought, but you can’t wet the tops!

Tatiana Pavlova

If we talk about the rules of watering, then they are completely simple, you should follow some rules:

Galina

No wonder this method is called "dry watering". This technique not only successfully retains water in the soil. Loosening replaces watering and with sufficient humidity. Potatoes do not respond well to overly dense soils. Loose soil is easily permeable to nutrients and air. However, such work is possible only with the emergence of seedlings.

Olga

In a drought, potato growth slows down, and soil moisture starts this process again. As a result, growth points develop unevenly, and the tuber receives bizarre shape. If the terms of watering the potatoes are observed and the soil remains moist during the formation and growth of tubers, the potatoes turn out to be even, not affected by scab, and cracks do not appear on their surface.

raisa lazebnaya

This rule also applies when planting mid-season varieties.

Ludmila Gushchina

Water entering the soil in June and July, when the plants are preparing to bloom, multiplies the number of tubers.

Olga Trofimova

when plants set buds, which means the beginning of the formation of tubers;

Anastasia Stepanova

After planting, potatoes are not watered at all, because the plant takes moisture for development from the mother tuber, but the critical period when you need to start actively watering is the flowering phase! further watering is carried out as the soil dries up.

Ivan

If it's hot, then you need to water it, especially during the flowering period. Watch that the leaves do not begin to dry out and turn yellow. And so, in normal variable weather, potatoes usually cope on their own and do not require additional watering (except once a week).

How many times during the summer do you need to water the potatoes in the country?

nlo

And we water it once a week at one dacha, and water it once at another, and then it rained a couple of times, and at that dacha where we water it once a week, the ovaries are already appearing, and not everything has even risen on the other, although planted at the same time!​

MASHENKA

You can water during a drought, but I don’t water, but mulch with grass cut from the lawn.

natla

The leaves feed the roots, and the roots feed the leaves - the law of plant life. Water the roots, well, the plant will not die, and the leaves suffer from the heat and do not allow the roots to develop. Water from watering in the heat immediately evaporates and does not have time to nourish the roots enough. Water, do not water, and prolonged heat will reduce the crop very early. And if potatoes are 6 acres and water is metered? Golden potato is obtained. It is better to underpick than to water under such conditions.

chacha777

Water for irrigation should not be cold, as the people say "summer temperature";

Dar Life

You can save irrigation water and slightly extend the time for watering potatoes by actively using mulch from beveled green manure, aged sawdust and other organic matter on the beds. When the summer heat sets in, the mulch provides the plants with a comfortable coolness, condenses moisture from the air and, as it overheats, becomes top dressing.

Marusya112

How to water potatoes correctly and calculate the time when watering is really needed?

Zofo

It is extremely important to moisten the soil during the period of tuber formation, corresponding to the time interval between the appearance of the first buds and mass flowering potatoes. You can’t wait for the buds to appear in large numbers, even single flower stalks are a sign for the start of watering, which will not be slow to affect the yield increase by 15–30%.

stepanoff

Later watering lays the foundation for large, full-bodied potatoes.

crist

when tubers gain weight, which in middle lane falls in the first half of August.

Eoklmn

I read the answers: sheer nonsense - each respondent proceeds from his own type of soil and climatic conditions. And they are all different. (((((Someone has rains, but for example, we don’t have rains and without watering nothing will grow at all, so we water it every 2 weeks. Sometimes more often. Because the soil is sand and heat.​

irishenka

I look at the weather. My garden is in a lowland, so there is more humidity there. I water only when I see that the ground is dry. By the way, it often happens that there is so much rain during the summer that you don’t even have to water the potatoes.

Foreword

Drip irrigation of potatoes is convenient system irrigation, which saves you time and effort to carry out this routine procedure. To organize a convenient and durable irrigation system on your site is quite simple with your own hands. We will share with you the answers to the main questions - how often, when and with what water to water potatoes in order to get a quality crop.

Potatoes require balanced watering, which directly depends on the stage of its development. Experts say that after planting and until the first shoots of tops appear, it is not necessary to water the culture. During this period, the root system actively develops in potatoes. Excessive moisture will cause surface germination of roots, which may further affect the supply of food. Waterlogging always leads to the formation of mold and rot.

Manual watering of potatoes

But with the advent of the first shoots and bushes, the need for moisture increases dramatically. However, there is no need to be zealous either. Water moderately, and as soon as you notice that the lower leaves of the bush have leaned towards the ground and have begun to wither, feel free to water the potato bed. Potatoes need intensive watering in the summer from the beginning of June to the end of July. It was then that the culture begins a period of budding and abundant growth. If the potatoes are poorly watered during this period, the tubers will shrink due to a lack of moisture and nutrients. As a result, you will get a small crop the size of a pea and with other reduced consumer qualities.


August is a changeable month. It can be both dry and very rainy. The amount of moisture should be adjusted independently, focusing on the condition of the tops. If it starts to dry out and wilt, water more often. As for the minimum watering rate per potato bush, it should be at least 3 liters. The final consumption will depend on the type of soil on which your crop grows and its variety. Remember, sandy and light soils absorb moisture much faster than heavy loamy and peaty soils. Remember to irrigate vigorously during the dry weeks of growth. This rule applies especially early varieties potatoes.

The most important rule of watering is a complete exception cold water. Use for irrigation only "summer" water, preheated in the afternoon in the sun in barrels or buckets. Unfavorable hours for saturating potatoes with moisture are the period from noon to six in the evening. At this moment, the active thread ultraviolet radiation will contribute to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the heated surface of the earth, it does not have time to penetrate deep into the root system. Early morning is also not the best time to water. Moisture may remain on the leaves. In the interaction of moisture and ultraviolet radiation on sheet plates soon there will be sunburn.

Irrigation of potatoes by sprinkling

Therefore, the most the best option there will be watering after seven in the evening. At this point, the sun is almost hidden behind the horizon, and the soil is gradually cooling down. So you will ensure deep penetration of moisture to the root system, contributing to saturation with nutrients. Two weeks before harvesting, watering is completely stopped. Light sandy soils need to be watered more frequently than heavy clay soils. After watering and heavy rains, do not let moisture form a dense crust on the surface of the soil, blocking the flow of air to the roots. Carry out loosening, which many call "dry watering".

June or July are the hottest and most important months for the productive growth of potatoes. Humidification during this period is carried out twice - at the beginning and middle of the month.

But in August it is enough to water once in the middle of the month. The recommended number of waterings for the entire season should be at least 5 or a total of 10-16 liters of water per bush. We add about 4 liters of water per planting. Moreover, in a drought, moisture is different from the usual. Water is introduced into the soil in several passes, one liter each. At each stage, it is necessary to wait until the moisture is slightly absorbed into the soil, and then pour the next batch. For convenience and even distribution of liquid, use measuring scoops or a glass jar.

Irrigation of varietal potatoes can be carried out from different irrigation systems. When watering with a hose, avoid hitting large streams of water on potato bushes. This can lead to the formation of late blight and the development of fungal infections. Suitable for potatoes and drip irrigation. Thanks to the local water supply, you will significantly reduce costs, and using inexpensive and reliable materials, you can build the system yourself.

There are several varieties of drip irrigation systems for potatoes, which differ in row spacing (0.7, 0.9 and 1.4 m). Rollers are installed on the bed formers, which are laid to a depth of up to 3 cm. Every 20-30 cm of such an installation, under a pressure of 0.5-0.7 atmospheres, water circles are created, which are pushed out of the holes under pressure. Thus, the bed is slowly and gradually moistened along the entire length. After harvesting, the drip irrigation system is disposed of. According to gardeners, thanks to such moisture, the potato yield increases by about 60-80 tons per hectare of the garden.

Watering potatoes with drip irrigation

To design a drip irrigation system with a row spacing of 1.4 m, we connect two rows of 0.7 m each with a single tape. To obtain early varieties, in parallel with the use of drip irrigation, we use agrofiber or lay a mulch layer. First of all, we make beds of 140 cm each, cover them with a dark film and lay them under it. drip tape. We plant potatoes in separate holes manually or using a special planting machine. Such a system has several main advantages: it provides good soil heating, prevents the formation of weeds, and also provides high-quality watering to each bush.

It has many advantages over other systems, which makes it the most popular among gardeners. First of all, such irrigation provides uniform moisture, gradually saturating the crop with moisture. The root system of the plant develops much better. Drip irrigation also provides for the introduction liquid dressings, which come directly to the roots with moisture, so they are absorbed quickly and intensively. Such irrigation has nothing to do with sprinkling, water flows directly under the bush, which means that the likelihood of fungal diseases is reduced. In addition, when processing tops chemicals they are not washed off for a long time and have a longer effect.

Local humidification system

The system does not leave behind wet row spacing, which is very convenient for weeding and loosening. A dense crust does not form on the surface of the soil. The drip irrigation system also has no restrictions on its use on the ground. It can be installed both on steep slopes and on flat surfaces. Evaporation of moisture from the surface is minimal. For comparison, at drip irrigation it is no more than 5%, while during sprinkling this figure sometimes exceeds 50% of the initial volume of water. Compared to sprinkling, such an irrigation system provides better warming of the soil, which means it gives a quality crop much faster. The amount and frequency of water application is also reduced, which indicates the efficiency of the method.

We build a reliable drip system from PVC pipes

Drip irrigation system made of PVC pipes will last long years. It can be installed as small garden as well as over large areas. Plus, it's easy enough to assemble so you can make your own. First of all, we carry out measuring work, measuring the length and width of the section under. This will help you quickly determine the number of PVC pipes to install. For the main line, it is recommended to select pipes with a diameter of 19-20 mm, and for a branched system - 12.5-13 mm. As auxiliary materials for the second system, you also need to purchase plugs and non-threaded tees.

The length of the main tubes will correspond to the width of the garden, and the branched ones will correspond to the length of the garden multiplied by the number of beds. For ease of installation, the second type of tubes can be cut into an equal number of parts corresponding to the number of beds and equal to their length. The second step is to make holes for watering. Lay the pipes for the branched system on a hard surface and make a non-through hole with a drill every 50 cm. Next, we mount the drip network. We lay the main tubes across the beds, and in the aisle we lay drip tubes at a right angle. At the intersection of the main pipe with the auxiliary ones, we cut it. We insert a tee into both ends of the sawn tube and connect to it an auxiliary tube located along each potato bed.

We make the fastening tight and airtight, preventing water from leaking, using mastic for this. The opposite end of each tube with a diameter of 12.5-13 mm is closed with plugs. So we do with all the other tubes in the garden. We put a plug on one end of the main line, and connect the second to the water supply. When the mastic in the joints hardens well, turn on the water and check the system in action. Such drip irrigation is very convenient to use, it will serve you for many years, because PVC pipes do not rot or rust, unlike metal counterparts, and they also do not form kinks and do not crack under the aggressive influence of sunlight, like rubber. The system is quite simply dismantled, and if desired, it can be sent for storage to the barn, using as needed.

Taking into account the fact that potatoes are characterized by variable drought tolerance, watering is most important for them in the 2nd half of the growing season, especially with the onset of the flowering phase. On the territory of Russia, this particular period is accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Therefore, there is no need for watering potatoes in July-August. However, nevertheless, in some years, soil drought can be observed, which quite often occurs in the first half of August. It is supplemented by an increase in air temperature, resulting in wilting of the tops.

When watering, one bush should have 3-4 liters of water. It is usually carried out in several steps. This is necessary for better absorption of moisture, it should reach a depth of up to 20 cm.

How to water potatoes

Follow the watering rate. If the watering of the potatoes was insufficient, then this can lead to the death of the stolons. This can result in a minimum number of tubers per bush. Is it necessary to water the potatoes at the beginning of the growing season, when this crop is highly drought-resistant?

If this is possible, then it is necessary to water. With a lack of moisture, the plant is in an extreme state. This is manifested in his weak development.

A plant that has been weakened by drought, of course, cannot show good productivity in the future, even with heavy rainfall in July-August. Before germination, there is no point in watering potatoes. If large tubers were used for planting and there was no gap between plowing or planting, then the plant will sprout due to the moisture contained in the tuber itself and the soil.

The need for watering arises a few days after the first shoots have appeared. 2-3 liters per bush is the norm for one bush. To minimize moisture loss, it is desirable to water in two doses.

For watering use ordinary buckets, watering cans. You can also irrigate using a water supply system with hoses. If there is no precipitation in the second half of June, which happens quite often in most regions of our country, then it is necessary to carry out another irrigation in the third decade of the month with the same rate. Thus, in June there should be two waterings of potatoes were carried out - in the middle and end of June.

In August, the number of waterings should range from one to two. It all depends on the rainfall during this period. On average, the total watering rate per plant should be 10-15 liters of water. It makes no sense to water potato plantings after September 1st.

Watering potatoes is stopped a couple of weeks before harvesting potato plantations. If potatoes are grown on arable land, then watering is difficult. It is carried out only in some cases.

If areas with potato plantings are located on an irrigated field, then it can be watered using a sprinkler system. Another option for organizing irrigation is the use of a water truck.

When choosing this option for organizing irrigation, it is necessary to take into account the economic component. After spending one good watering around June 20-25, when the plants have usually reached a height of 15-20 cm, a 25-30% increase in yield can be achieved.

A large increase can be achieved if this event is held on dry August days. In the event that your costs are higher than the increase in yield, then it is unprofitable from an economic point of view.

To verify this, you can conduct an experiment on your site. Those potato growers who do not have the opportunity to irrigate potato plantings on their site can follow the rule: moisture in the soil must be preserved using moisture-saving agricultural practices. For moisture, its preservation on the site must be fought in the truest sense of the word.

Potato care after planting: watering, loosening, hilling, top dressing

In previous articles, we talked about sprouting potatoes, growing seedlings and planting potatoes in the ground. Today we’ll talk about caring for potatoes after planting, namely: watering, loosening, hilling and top dressing.

Watering potatoes

The first time after planting, it is not recommended to water the potatoes, because at this time the root system is formed. With moderate humidity, the roots branch and penetrate deep into the soil, but if the soil is waterlogged, the roots will not be deep enough, which will subsequently negatively affect the development of the potato bush, since it will be more difficult for it to get moisture.

The first watering of potatoes after planting is best done with the emergence of seedlings. Potatoes should be watered sparingly. As bushes begin to form, the potato's need for water increases.

You should not hope for rain: as soon as you notice that the lower leaves begin to wilt slightly, be sure to water the potatoes. Potatoes experience the greatest need for moisture during the period of budding and flowering. If the amount of moisture at this time is insufficient for potatoes, this will have a bad effect on its yield - the potatoes will be very small. It is best to water the potatoes not cold, but slightly warm water, preheated to "room temperature" in barrels or tubs. The best time for watering potatoes - early morning or evening.

Soil loosening

Surface loosening of the soil, carried out to a depth of 2–3 cm, is a very useful procedure for potatoes, which increases the flow of oxygen to the tubers. In addition, in the process of loosening, you destroy small weeds.

The first loosening is carried out a week after planting potatoes. In the future, the soil is loosened as needed after watering and rains, thereby preventing the formation of a crust and contributing to the saturation of the soil with oxygen. Loosening should be carried out very carefully, trying not to damage the sprouts and not pull the tubers to the surface.

Potato hilling

Hilling has a very positive effect on the potato yield and can significantly increase it. Hilling accelerates the development of the bush, flowering and tuberization.

In addition, hilling protects potato tubers from phytophthora, preventing the penetration of infection from the affected tops to the tubers. During the season, potatoes must be hilled 2-3 times. The first hilling of potatoes is carried out when the tops reach a height of 13 - 15 cm.

The land used for hilling must be moist. How is hilling done? Very simple: the earth is raked in small portions to the tops with a hoe so that a mound forms around the bush.

The second hilling of potatoes is carried out 10-12 days after the first. Third, as needed.

Feeding potatoes in the garden

To obtain good harvest potatoes, in the process of growing it must be periodically fed. During the growing season, root feeding of potatoes is carried out three times, the composition of fertilizers depends on the phase of development of the potato bush.

In addition, when seedlings appear, potatoes can be sprayed with a solution of macro- and microfertilizers. Root top dressing it is better to carry out on wet soil after watering or rain.

  • First root dressing carried out during the growth of the tops in the event that the potato bushes develop poorly, have thin stems and pale leaves. Feeding composition: 1 tablespoon of urea per 10 liters of water, or half a liter of mushy mullein or bird droppings per bucket of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush.
  • Second root dressing potatoes are carried out during the budding period to accelerate flowering. Feeding composition: 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate + 3 tablespoons of wood ash per 10 liters of water, or just 1 cup of wood ash per bucket of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush. The third basal top dressing carried out during the flowering of potatoes to accelerate the process of tuberization. Feeding composition: 2 tablespoons of superphosphate + 1 cup of mushy mullein or chicken manure for 10 liters of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush.

Root feeding of potatoes with fertilizer solutions is carried out in cases where it is a question of relatively in large numbers bushes. If the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe potato plot exceeds 100 m2, that is, 1 weave, top dressing is carried out with dry fertilizers, scattering them under each bush:

  • first top dressing (to accelerate the growth of tops) - 1/2 teaspoon of urea + 200 g of manure or vegetable humus per 1 bush; second top dressing (during the budding period) - 1 tablespoon of wood ash + 1/2 teaspoon of potassium sulfate or 1 teaspoon a spoonful of nitrophoska per 1 bush; the third top dressing (during flowering) - 1 teaspoon of powdered superphosphate per 1 bush.

An integral part of potato care is the fight against Colorado potato beetle and other pests, as well as various potato diseases, but we will talk about this in future articles.

potato, care, watering June 10, 2014, 23:35 I have read about the fact that potatoes, like all garden crops, require watering, but I have never watered it myself.

I have this vegetable (as far as one could judge from its appearance and harvest) did not suffer from thirst, and with water in our old dacha it was not too easy - you don’t run into a potato plant with a watering can. And I lived in the belief that watering potatoes was an agrotechnical "refinement", without which it is quite possible to do.

But last year's experience forced me to return to this issue ...

What Science Tells Us...

And she tells us: potatoes are extremely demanding on soil moisture, and their needs vary depending on the phase of development.

The most important period is from the moment the buds appear until the tops stop growing. It is at this time that the crop is laid, and if there is not enough moisture, then there will be few tubers.

It turns out that for the formation of potatoes for one part of dry matter (by weight), the plant needs to spend 400-600 parts of water! And it's in central regions- in the southern, hot and dry, the consumption is even higher. And one plant evaporates about 60-70 liters of water per season, can you imagine?!

So water it or not?

The answer to this question depends on a combination of many factors - climatic (air and soil temperature, precipitation, humidity), soil (composition and structure of the soil, its ability to retain moisture) and biological (primarily - characteristics of the variety).

A favorable combination of conditions allowed me to do without watering at all for many years. Loamy soil retains moisture well; Our climate is temperate, rains are not uncommon, and the heat does not happen often and usually does not linger for a long time.

Zoned varieties in such conditions may well do without watering - it is successfully replaced by loosening and hilling. By the way, loosening is often called "dry watering".

If the climate in your area is humid, it is better to replace watering the potatoes with loosening - the benefits will be much greater: moisture is retained in the soil, and the air supply to the roots improves, and the plant gets enough of everything it needs for development. But on sandy soils, and even in hot, dry weather, you can’t see the crop without watering.

In this last year I was convinced by my own sad experience. As usual, potatoes were planted in several stages - from the beginning of May until the beginning of June.

This method has never let me down - all the potatoes ripened in due time, and the harvest from early and late plantings did not differ. But not this time… June potatoes got into the soil, from which the spring moisture had already left.

There was little rain, and the weather was warm, and despite the fact that germinated tubers were planted, as always, shoots did not appear for more than a month! Then the tops began to grow, the bushes bloomed, but ... When it came time to dig potatoes, all that remained was to shed a tear: from the ridges late boarding there was practically no harvest, but I received good lesson: do not blindly rely on own experience if conditions change...

So it turns out that there is simply no universal answer to the question of whether potatoes should be watered, common to all. Some need it, others don’t need it, and still others shouldn’t do it at all - the solution to the problem must be sought based on local conditions.

And here's what else is important: soil moisture should be uniform. Like many other crops (for example, tomatoes or cabbage), potatoes are sensitive to sudden changes in humidity: if heavy rains replace a drought, we are very likely to get a crop of deformed, ugly tubers.

Therefore, if you notice that the shoots are drooping, the leaves are curling or withering, and the soil has dried out to a depth of 5-6 cm or more, you need to water it exactly.

How to water potatoes

Generally speaking, how many people - so many opinions in this matter)) And probably this is right: practice allows you to find those methods and norms that are right for you and your plants.

But since for the first time you still need to start from something, I will give general recommendations watering. The best watering time- evening hours.

It is clear that no one waters in the heat of the day, but the morning is not the best option: the moisture on the leaves may not dry out before the sun starts to bake, and burns appear. Minimum water consumption- 3 liters per bush.

The actual consumption will depend on the soil (sandy and sandy loam absorb more water than loam or peat soil), the degree of its drying, the plant variety and its age. Regarding how to water, there are different opinions: acceptable and watering under the root, and furrow irrigation.

In dry seasons, irrigation of plantings is also effective (this is especially true for early varieties of potatoes). The next day after watering, it is recommended to loosen the ground to retain moisture in it.

That, in general, is all ... But it would be very interesting to know the opinions of our gardeners: do you water potatoes? If yes, how often, what techniques do you use? If not, why not?

Potatoes are, it would seem, the most unpretentious garden crop. But in fact, even potatoes require both careful treatment and proper watering - after all, such an indicator as soil moisture is very important for the yield of potatoes. Like, perhaps, no other plant, potatoes need moisture - and therefore proper watering potatoes significantly increases its yield, according to statistics, somewhere in six to eight times.

Irrigation rates for potatoes

Such a concept as an irrigation norm determines both the number of irrigations (how many times and for what period of time potatoes need to be watered in the garden), and the water consumption for each irrigation. These factors depend, first of all, on the climate and weather conditions - it is quite natural that in an arid climate the number of irrigations will be four to five, in a very dry climate - five to seven, but in a moderate one, with an even amount of rain during the summer - three -four.

The amount of water used for one irrigation of potatoes is calculated depending on the planting area and averages two hundred to four hundred liters per ten square meters of plantings. Of course, if the soil condition is unsatisfactory (for example, very dry, petrified earth due to dry and hot weather), then the amount of water for irrigation should be increased by several hundred liters.

But at the same time, it is important not to exceed the watering rate - excess moisture will lead to the fact that the soil will be waterlogged and will be flooded. And this, in turn, will provoke the decay of young potato tubers or even prevent the formation of tubers.

When is the right time to water potatoes?

The need for moisture in potatoes depends not only on the characteristics of the climate, but also on the stage of ripening. The least amount of moisture is required during the period from planting potatoes in the soil until full shoots appear.

At this stage, some lack of moisture in the soil from irrigation is even useful - it contributes to a more complete use of the moisture that is already contained in the potato tubers used for seedlings. The more moisture there is in the soil, the closer to the surface of the soil the roots will be located - and this is extremely risky, because in the future you can damage the roots during loosening and weed control.

As soon as the first shoots appear, the situation changes - potatoes need moisture the most. It is at this time that it is very important to regularly water young potatoes, and be sure to adhere to the norm of watering. If a moisture deficit is formed during this period, then it has a detrimental effect on the crop: firstly, the number of ovaries decreases, and, secondly, the formation of young tubers slows down.

Video: how to properly water potatoes

How often to water potatoes? How to properly water potatoes? Should I water the potatoes by sprinkling or is it better under the root?

How to organize drip irrigation of potatoes? We will try to answer these questions so that you can properly water the potatoes, which means more harvest of this second bread. First, let's answer the question of how often the potatoes should be watered and how much water is needed.

It must be understood that at different stages of potato growth, a different amount of moisture in the soil is required. The first increase in water consumption occurs 2 weeks after germination, as at this time there is active growth tops.

The next increase in water consumption occurs in the phase of flowering, tuberization. But if you overdo it with water during this period of time, then the tubers may suffocate and you will lose your crop. In dry, sunny weather, water every 4-5 days.

If the days were not very hot, then watering is carried out every 8-10 days. Also, one should not forget that in addition to watering, it is required to loosen the soil. Unsystematic watering is very bad for potatoes when you leave the garden without watering for a long time.

As a result, tubers are formed crooked, ugly, affected by scab. Therefore, if you can not regularly water the potatoes, then take care of the mulching of the beds. In general, you need to take care of mulching, even if you water regularly.

Because this will not only reduce the need for loosening, will not form a crust on the surface of the soil, but will also allow it to stay moist longer. And not like this: they watered it - the earth stands in water for 1 day, and then the earth is dry again for 5 days. The drip method is best for organizing good watering of potatoes.

This will reduce water consumption, and the earth will always be wet. On average, it is estimated that per day in hot weather one bush loses 10-15 liters of moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to water 15-20 liters of water at a time for 1 square meter at least every week. The plant can get the rest of the moisture by condensing moisture on the soil surface and by storing it in the ground with the help of mulching.

Potatoes have a poorly developed root system, so they really need oxygen. The best air and moisture exchange is carried out in sufficiently moist and loose soil. However, prolonged watering of potatoes leads to waterlogging and death of the root system.

Therefore, when looking for a site for planting, it is better to choose light soils that retain friability for a long time, which will not swim after precipitation, will have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction and contain at least 2% humus. If the soil is heavy, organic fertilizers must be added to it.

And in highly waterlogged soils, the plant is cultivated using ridges or ridges to avoid rhizoctoniosis and diseases that are bacterial in nature. Not less than important part plant care is its watering. How often should you water potatoes to prevent waterlogging?

After the potatoes are planted and until the seedlings appear, the plant is not watered, since during this period it forms a root system, which, with comfortable humidity, is able to branch well and penetrate deep into the soil. If the soil is waterlogged, the roots will be located at insufficient depth, which will subsequently affect the ability of the plant to extract moisture and negatively affect development.

As soon as the first shoots appear and bushes form, the plant begins to consume more water, but you should not overdo it with watering. The main signal for irrigation is the dried top layer of soil up to 6 centimeters deep.

It is better to carry out this procedure in the evening hours to prevent moisture evaporation. As soon as the wilting of the lower leaves becomes noticeable, it is immediately necessary to water the potatoes.

The plant will need the largest amount of water during budding and flowering. It is important to provide him with a sufficient amount of moisture in order to prevent the germination of young tubers and subsequently dig up a vegetable the size of peas.

The tops dry up in the month of August, during the period of drought and lack of rainfall. To reduce the temperature of the soil, it is necessary to irrigate the potatoes, thus extending the growing season, which means increasing the yield. A very important question: how to water the potatoes correctly?

During the first watering, each hundred square meters of land must be provided with a water rate of about 300 liters, and in the next - about 500 liters. To moisten the soil, it is better to use not cold, but the so-called "summer" water, which is preheated in barrels. Potatoes can be watered only in the morning or in the evening.

Irrigation of light lands should be done much more often than heavy lands, while preventing the formation of a dense crust on the ground and loosening the ground from time to time. During irrigation, under no circumstances should a stream of water be directed directly at the potato bush, but it is better to use a hose sprayer.

It is not necessary to water the plant before harvesting - this can harm. If desired, you can make drip irrigation of potatoes, which significantly reduces water consumption, can be combined with top dressing and long time maintains the required soil moisture. The use of this equipment has a very good effect on the crop, but the price of such installations is quite high.

Hello, dear gardeners! In my mail every spring there are a lot of questions about potatoes. I think that my potato growing tips will be useful to you. Here are the most common questions, along with the answers. How deep should tubers be planted?

If your site is poorly supplied with moisture, if in summer the plants suffer from drought, if the earth is light, sandy, the earth above the back of the tuber should be 8 centimeters. On heavy loams, on peatlands, plant 6 centimeters.

Small tubers are planted at a shallower depth than large ones. Sprouts up or down? Look at the tuber.

On the one hand, it has many depressions with growth buds. This is the pinnacle. Always plant so that there are as many eyes as possible on top.

When the sprouts stretch, they will produce substances that inhibit the growth of the buds below. When planted upside down, many shoots will be oppressed. When we plant normally, the seedlings will be thick. Should I cut the tubers before planting?

It is advisable to plant with whole potatoes. If they are not enough, they can be cut into 2-3 parts, but so that each share has at least three eyes. Will we get an infection? When cutting tubers, it is necessary to dip the knife into a solution of potassium permanganate.

Is it possible to dust chopped potatoes with ash? It is better to pour into the hole, cover with fresh earth and plant a tuber. Tuber from tuber - far or close?

When planting, a tuber is traditionally placed from the tuber in a row through the length of the footprint, 25 - 30 centimeters. Row by row from 50 to 70 centimeters. If you shorten the row spacing, plant more often and thicker, the tubers will grow small. An interesting method of planting according to the Ushakov system, in a triangle.

Ushakov, a gardener from the Moscow region, took into account the impact of the energy fields of neighboring plants. Plant too close - they will not be comfortable. Ushakov noticed that it is best to plant tubers from each other along a cord every 45 centimeters.

When we plant the second row, we move the row by 22.5 centimeters to form a triangle with sides of 45 centimeters, at the tops of which tubers and fertilizers are placed in the holes. The yield is maximized. How to prepare the cord for planting?

You need to take pointed pegs, tie a clothesline to them and tie knots every 45 centimeters. You can do this at your leisure, before leaving for the garden. By pulling the cord in the garden, you will know exactly the landing points.

We germinated potatoes in the light, brought them to the dacha. But then it started to rain. The beds did not have time to dig up. What to do with potatoes?

It is best to fill it up with wet peat before planting. She will give roots. The time will come - dig up a bed, plant it as it should. In the warmed earth, it will immediately start to grow. It is advisable to water potato seedlings with roots after planting.

Do tubers need to be treated with any chemicals before planting? Of the means available to the gardener, they usually use blue vitriol and manganese. The chemicals are dissolved in warm water and tubers are immersed for half an hour or sprayed from a spray bottle.

Dose of chemicals - 2 grams per 10 liters of water. Good results gives also the addition boric acid in the same amount. They also use bacterial preparations, humate solutions, and seaweed extracts for spraying tubers.

What is the best soil temperature for planting? Usually they wait when the earth warms up above 10 degrees. Dandelions have bloomed - plant potatoes.

It is also important that there is enough moisture in the ground so that it does not dry out. It is with the temperature of the soil and air that the timing of planting is associated. Potatoes can be planted on warm ridges and under a film at the end of April with vernalized tubers.

In this case, early varieties will yield by the end of June. It happens like this: received the owner new plot, struggling with all his might to butcher him, plant potatoes. While you are digging the earth, let it sprout in the light, grow roots in wet peat.

The potatoes will not waste time, the sprouts will develop, and the tubers will prepare to meet the ground. How to save potatoes from frost? Spud more often and higher.

Potato loves when the ground is stirred: it grows better, the stems underground give additional roots, tuberous shoots. If the seedlings get frost, the trouble is small. In the tubers of many varieties (except Nevsky) there are spare buds, which additionally give dense shoots.

And this is a harvest profit, as shown by studies conducted near Ryazan at a variety testing station. Do potatoes need to be watered? Potatoes love moisture, but at the same time, plantings cannot be flooded, otherwise they will not have enough air.

This is a very air culture. But from sandy soils, when watering, they are washed out nutrients, so here best result give fertilizing solutions mineral fertilizers and humates.

A tablespoon of complex mineral fertilizers is dissolved in a bucket of water and early in the morning, while dew is poured over the bushes from a watering can. During flowering, if the weather is dry, watering is indispensable. Here, the more often and more abundantly you water, the better for the crop.

As soon as the buds are indicated and until they bloom, water them with water. Here, fertilizing with nitrogen and phosphorus is excluded, a small amount of potassium salt is given: 1.5 - 2 teaspoons per bucket of water during irrigation. What's new in potato farming among summer residents?

The new is most often the well-forgotten old! The most significant harvest is given by potato bushes, which are not spudded, but covered with earth. I give you this one for a reason, but based on many years of experience.

Everyone knows that potatoes are photophilous, that in the shade they only stretch. But when we spud potatoes, we knock all the stems into a heap. But they become crowded, they interfere with each other.

But it’s absolutely impossible without hilling, you can’t even collect seeds. So they came up with the idea of ​​taking the earth from the aisle with a shovel, pushing the stems to the sides and pouring this earth into the middle of the bush. Such a bush grows sprawling, wide, free.

He ties and feeds more large tubers than a hilled neighbor. This has been verified many times. This is confirmed by thousands of gardeners who began to treat potatoes in this way. Labor, of course, is more than wielding a chopper.

But imagine: each shovel of earth, poured into the center of the bush, gives an additional kilogram of potatoes. This is exactly the goal that justifies the work and means of the gardener. Vladimir Nikolaevich Mashenkov answered the readers' questions.

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Watering potatoes

Taking into account the fact that potatoes are characterized by variable drought tolerance, watering is most important for them in the 2nd half of the growing season, especially with the onset of the flowering phase. On the territory of Russia, this particular period is accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Therefore, there is no need for watering potatoes in July-August. However, nevertheless, in some years, soil drought can be observed, which quite often occurs in the first half of August. It is supplemented by an increase in air temperature, resulting in wilting of the tops.

When watering, one bush should have 3-4 liters of water. It is usually carried out in several steps. This is necessary for better absorption of moisture, it should reach a depth of up to 20 cm.

How to water potatoes

Follow the watering rate. If the watering of the potatoes was insufficient, then this can lead to the death of the stolons. This can result in a minimum number of tubers per bush. Is it necessary to water the potatoes at the beginning of the growing season, when this crop is highly drought-resistant?

If this is possible, then it is necessary to water. With a lack of moisture, the plant is in an extreme state. This is manifested in his weak development.

A plant that has been weakened by drought, of course, cannot show good productivity in the future, even with heavy rainfall in July-August. Before germination, there is no point in watering potatoes. If large tubers were used for planting and there was no gap between plowing or planting, then the plant will sprout due to the moisture contained in the tuber itself and the soil.

The need for watering arises a few days after the first shoots have appeared. 2-3 liters per bush is the norm for one bush. To minimize moisture loss, it is desirable to water in two doses. For watering use ordinary buckets, watering cans.

You can also irrigate using a water supply system with hoses. If there is no precipitation in the second half of June, which happens quite often in most regions of our country, then it is necessary to carry out another irrigation in the third decade of the month with the same rate. Thus, in June there should be two waterings of potatoes were carried out - in the middle and end of June. In August, the number of waterings should range from one to two.

It all depends on the rainfall during this period. On average, the total watering rate per plant should be 10-15 liters of water. It makes no sense to water potato plantings after September 1st.

Watering potatoes is stopped a couple of weeks before harvesting potato plantations. If potatoes are grown on arable land, then watering is difficult. It is carried out only in some cases.

If areas with potato plantings are located on an irrigated field, then it can be watered using a sprinkler system. Another option for organizing irrigation is the use of a water truck.

When choosing this option for organizing irrigation, it is necessary to take into account the economic component. With one good watering around June 20-25, when the plants usually reach a height of 15-20 cm, you can achieve a yield increase of 25-30%.

A large increase can be achieved if this event is held on dry August days. In the event that your costs are higher than the increase in yield, then it is unprofitable from an economic point of view.

To verify this, you can conduct an experiment on your site. Those potato growers who do not have the opportunity to irrigate potato plantings on their site can follow the rule: moisture in the soil must be preserved using moisture-saving agricultural practices. For moisture, its preservation on the site must be fought in the truest sense of the word.

Potato care after planting: watering, loosening, hilling, top dressing

In previous articles, we talked about sprouting potatoes, growing seedlings and planting potatoes in the ground. Today we’ll talk about caring for potatoes after planting, namely: watering, loosening, hilling and top dressing.

Watering potatoes

The first time after planting, it is not recommended to water the potatoes, because at this time the root system is formed. With moderate humidity, the roots branch and penetrate deep into the soil, but if the soil is waterlogged, the roots will not be deep enough, which will subsequently negatively affect the development of the potato bush, since it will be more difficult for it to get moisture.

The first watering of potatoes after planting is best done with the emergence of seedlings. Potatoes should be watered sparingly. As bushes begin to form, the potato's need for water increases.

You should not hope for rain: as soon as you notice that the lower leaves begin to wilt slightly, be sure to water the potatoes. Potatoes experience the greatest need for moisture during the period of budding and flowering. If the amount of moisture at this time is insufficient for potatoes, this will have a bad effect on its yield - the potatoes will be very small. It is best to water the potatoes not with cold, but with slightly warm water, preheated to “room temperature” in barrels or tubs. The best time for watering potatoes - early morning or evening.

Soil loosening

Surface loosening of the soil, carried out to a depth of 2–3 cm, is a very useful procedure for potatoes, which increases the flow of oxygen to the tubers. In addition, in the process of loosening, you destroy small weeds.

The first loosening is carried out a week after planting potatoes. In the future, the soil is loosened as needed after watering and rains, thereby preventing the formation of a crust and contributing to the saturation of the soil with oxygen. Loosening should be carried out very carefully, trying not to damage the sprouts and not pull the tubers to the surface.

Potato hilling

Hilling has a very positive effect on the potato yield and can significantly increase it. Hilling accelerates the development of the bush, flowering and tuberization.

In addition, hilling protects potato tubers from phytophthora, preventing the penetration of infection from the affected tops to the tubers. During the season, potatoes must be hilled 2-3 times. The first hilling of potatoes is carried out when the tops reach a height of 13 - 15 cm.

The land used for hilling must be moist. How is hilling done? Very simple: the earth is raked in small portions to the tops with a hoe so that a mound forms around the bush.

The second hilling of potatoes is carried out 10-12 days after the first. Third, as needed.

Feeding potatoes in the garden

To get a good potato harvest, it must be periodically fed during the growing process. During the growing season, root feeding of potatoes is carried out three times, the composition of fertilizers depends on the phase of development of the potato bush.

In addition, when seedlings appear, potatoes can be sprayed with a solution of macro- and microfertilizers. Root top dressing is best done on moist soil after watering or rain.

  • First root dressing carried out during the growth of the tops in the event that the potato bushes develop poorly, have thin stems and pale leaves. Feeding composition: 1 tablespoon of urea per 10 liters of water, or half a liter of mushy mullein or bird droppings per bucket of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush.
  • Second root dressing potatoes are carried out during the budding period to accelerate flowering. Feeding composition: 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate + 3 tablespoons of wood ash per 10 liters of water, or just 1 cup of wood ash per bucket of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush. The third basal top dressing carried out during the flowering of potatoes to accelerate the process of tuberization. Feeding composition: 2 tablespoons of superphosphate + 1 cup of mushy mullein or chicken manure per 10 liters of water. Dosage: half a liter of solution for each bush.

Root feeding of potatoes with fertilizer solutions is carried out in cases where we are talking about a relatively small number of bushes. If the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe potato plot exceeds 100 m2, that is, 1 weave, top dressing is carried out with dry fertilizers, scattering them under each bush:

  • first top dressing (to accelerate the growth of tops) - 1/2 teaspoon of urea + 200 g of manure or vegetable humus per 1 bush; second top dressing (during the budding period) - 1 tablespoon of wood ash + 1/2 teaspoon of potassium sulfate or 1 teaspoon a spoonful of nitrophoska per 1 bush; the third top dressing (during flowering) - 1 teaspoon of powdered superphosphate per 1 bush.

An integral part of potato care is the fight against the Colorado potato beetle and other pests, as well as various potato diseases, but we will talk about this in future articles.

potato, care, watering June 10, 2014, 23:35 I have read about the fact that potatoes, like all garden crops, require watering, but I have never watered it myself.

I didn’t suffer from thirst for this vegetable (as far as it could be judged by its appearance and harvest), and it wasn’t too easy with water in our old dacha - you don’t run into a potato with a watering can. And I lived in the belief that watering potatoes was an agrotechnical "refinement", without which it is quite possible to do.

But last year's experience forced me to return to this issue ...

What Science Tells Us...

And she tells us: potatoes are extremely demanding on soil moisture, and their needs vary depending on the phase of development.

The most important period is from the moment the buds appear until the tops stop growing. It is at this time that the crop is laid, and if there is not enough moisture, then there will be few tubers.

It turns out that for the formation of potatoes for one part of dry matter (by weight), the plant needs to spend 400-600 parts of water! And this is in the central regions - in the southern, hot and dry, the consumption is even higher. And one plant evaporates about 60-70 liters of water per season, can you imagine?!

So water it or not?

The answer to this question depends on a combination of many factors - climatic (air and soil temperature, precipitation, humidity), soil (composition and structure of the soil, its ability to retain moisture) and biological (primarily - characteristics of the variety).

A favorable combination of conditions allowed me to do without watering at all for many years. Loamy soil retains moisture well; Our climate is temperate, rains are not uncommon, and the heat does not happen often and usually does not linger for a long time.

Zoned varieties in such conditions may well do without watering - it is successfully replaced by loosening and hilling. By the way, loosening is often called "dry watering".

If the climate in your area is humid, it is better to replace watering the potatoes with loosening - the benefits will be much greater: moisture is retained in the soil, and the air supply to the roots improves, and the plant gets enough of everything it needs for development. But on sandy soils, and even in hot, dry weather, you can’t see the crop without watering.

In this last year I was convinced by my own sad experience. As usual, potatoes were planted in several stages - from the beginning of May until the beginning of June.

This method has never let me down - all the potatoes ripened in due time, and the harvest from early and late plantings did not differ. But not this time… June potatoes got into the soil, from which the spring moisture had already left.

There was little rain, and the weather was warm, and despite the fact that germinated tubers were planted, as always, shoots did not appear for more than a month! Then the tops began to grow, the bushes bloomed, but ... When it came time to dig potatoes, all that remained was to shed a tear: there was practically no harvest from the ridges of late planting, and I learned a good lesson: you should not blindly rely on your own experience if conditions have changed ...

So it turns out that there is simply no universal answer to the question of whether potatoes should be watered, common to all. Some need it, others don’t need it, and still others shouldn’t do it at all - the solution to the problem must be sought based on local conditions.

And here's what else is important: soil moisture should be uniform. Like many other crops (for example, tomatoes or cabbage), potatoes are sensitive to sudden changes in humidity: if heavy rains replace a drought, we are very likely to get a crop of deformed, ugly tubers.

Therefore, if you notice that the shoots are drooping, the leaves are curling or withering, and the soil has dried out to a depth of 5-6 cm or more, you need to water it exactly.

How to water potatoes

Generally speaking, how many people - so many opinions in this matter)) And probably this is right: practice allows you to find those methods and norms that are right for you and your plants.

But since for the first time you still need to start from something, I will give general watering advice. The best watering time- evening hours.

It is clear that no one waters in the heat of the day, but the morning is not the best option: the moisture on the leaves may not dry out before the sun starts to bake, and burns appear. Minimum water consumption- 3 liters per bush.

The actual consumption will depend on the soil (sandy and sandy loam absorb more water than loam or peat soil), the degree of its drying, the plant variety and its age. Regarding how to water, there are different opinions: acceptable and watering under the root, and furrow irrigation.

In dry seasons, irrigation of plantings is also effective (this is especially true for early varieties of potatoes). The next day after watering, it is recommended to loosen the ground to retain moisture in it.

That, in general, is all ... But it would be very interesting to know the opinions of our gardeners: do you water potatoes? If yes, how often, what techniques do you use? If not, why not?

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