I will list some positions in growing technology that provide an answer to the question of how to increase potato productivity. How to get a good potato crop? You will find out what gardeners and specialist agronomists pay attention to during the process of growing potatoes. Your choice, your right to take note of them no. But I have no doubt that they will help you navigate, choose the appropriate ways to increase the yield.
The longer the leaves stay green, the higher the potato yield
This observation seemed interesting to me, as it is often said that plants should not be overfed with nitrogen - this encourages the growth of green mass to the detriment of potato tubers. But, nevertheless, a good leaf volume means that the green potato bush has more area for intercepting sunlight, which is converted through photosynthesis into energy for the growth of tubers. This helps the plant develop a good root system that extracts water and nutrients from the soil. Therefore, the gardener's efforts to increase green mass will allow him to collect more potatoes.
The quality and quantity of stems affects the yield of potatoes
That is, the more stems, the more powerful the bush. And this means that, the more potatoes you dig. The stems (stolons) that grow from the eyes of seed potatoes are the main ones and usually tubers of the new crop are formed on them. Therefore, increasing the number of main stems, there will be more tubers in this bush. But take a closer look at the bush. It can also look powerful with a small number of stolons. Just the main stem can have lateral shoots, which we will call secondary. They usually do not form tubers. They can and should be removed so that they do not take energy from the main stem. This technique will also help increase yield.
Watering potatoes
This is a key step in growing potatoes. Of course, it is advisable to water it throughout the entire growth cycle. And especially in hot, dry weather, if you want to keep planting. But it is important that it is in moist soil in the first 3-4 weeks after the appearance of leaves from the ground. Do not forget that the more humid the earth, the more likely it is to harvest a large crop.
Potato foliage drying
When the foliage begins to die, the plant comes to the end of its life cycle. But you should pay attention to where the foliage begins to die. It is very important. If the leaves begin to turn yellow from the bottom of the bush, then this is normal - you should dig up healthy tubers. However, if the lower leaves are healthy, but the upper leaves turn yellow, then the cause may be an attack of a pest or disease, so the potato bush does not have enough nutrition. Urgent measures should be taken. The measures taken will depend on the signs of the disease or what pests you have found. If it is late blight, then the measures are one, and if you find signs of scab or rhizoctoniosis, then the methods of control are different. Pest control measures are also different - with the wireworm - one, and with the Colorado potato beetle - others. Timely measures taken to combat diseases or pests will allow, if not increase, then at least preserve the crop.
Sulphate treatment and high potato yield
If you spray the potatoes 1-2 weeks before harvesting with a solution of copper sulfate (50 g per 10 liters of water), then the tops begin to dry out. It will wither, lose moisture, and nutrients will pass into the tubers, which will significantly accelerate ripening, increase the yield and its quality.
Spraying potato bushes with a solution of superphosphate
How to spray potato tops for tuber growth? Answer: sulfate solution. This is another technique to increase productivity. Spraying with a solution of superphosphate slows the growth of tops, enhances the outflow of nutrients from leaves to tubers. As a result, an increase in yield. Superphosphate does not dissolve well, so it must be thoroughly mixed. Experts advise insisting superphosphate granules in water for 1-2 hours, but I came to the conclusion that it is best to leave the solution overnight. After several mixing, defend it and drain the top layer of the solution into another bucket. Ten liters should be enough for one hundred parts. Do this during the flowering period or after it.
Potato Processing with Magnesium Chlorate
In a cool, humid summer, this technique will accelerate ripening and increase yield. Dissolve 200 g of the drug in a bucket of water. Spray the tops with this solution. Buckets of solution should be enough for one hundred parts.
Peas planted in the same hole with potatoes increase yield
It also repels the Colorado potato beetle. It is enough to plant 5 peas per hole.
Grass as a fertilizer for potatoes
A unique way of planting it in trenches previously filled with mowed grass allows you to increase the yield of potatoes. Above, seed tubers are again covered with mowed grass. This method allows you not only to harvest several times more, but to do without hilling, without weeding. For more information about this method of cultivation, see the video.