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When to Do First Irrigation in Potato Crop
Irrigation is an essential practice in potato farming. Proper irrigation helps in maintaining the soil moisture level, which is crucial for the healthy growth of potato plants. However, it’s crucial to understand when to irrigate and how much water to apply to achieve the optimal potato yield. In this article, we’ll discuss when to do first irrigation in potato crop.
When to irrigate the potato crop for the first time?
The first irrigation should be done about a week after planting the potato crop. This time may vary depending on the weather and soil conditions in your area. In general, the first irrigation should be done when the soil moisture level drops to 60-70% of field capacity. You can check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger or a soil probe into the soil.
Why is the first irrigation crucial?
The first irrigation is crucial for the potato crop because it helps in establishing the potato plants. Watering the soil after planting helps the soil settle around the seed and reduces the air pockets, giving the roots an easier time to grow at a faster pace and easily absorb nutrients and water, N-P-K. It also helps in the dissolution of water-soluble fertilizers, which are essential in the initial growth stage of the potatoes.
How much water to apply in the first irrigation?
On average, the potato crop requires 1-1.5 inches of water per week. However, the amount of water required may vary depending on weather conditions, soil type, and the potato variety planted. In the first irrigation, it’s essential to provide adequate moisture to the soil without saturating it. In general, apply about 0.5-1 inch of water to the soil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first irrigation in potato crop should be done about a week after planting. The soil moisture level should be around 60-70% of field capacity, which can be checked by inserting a finger or soil probe into the soil. Proper water management is essential to achieve the optimal potato yield, and the first irrigation plays a crucial role in establishing the plants. Watering the soil after planting will help reduce air pockets, leading to faster and healthier potato root growth and the absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which would aid optimal potato growth.