Skip to main content
Log in

Precision tillage effects on potato root and tuber production

  • Published:
American Potato Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Impedance to the extension of potato roots in a high-strength soil was reduced by chiseling with a subsoil shank directly in the center of the potato bed (precision tillage). Precision tilling just before planting was done to a depth of 60 cm below the bed crest. The resulting reduction in soil strength improved rooting below 30 cm and allowed roots to extend into soil below the tilled zone. Tuber production was increased 6–10% in the year tillage was performed.

Resumen

La impedancia a la extencion de las raíces de la papa en un suelo altamente resistente fue reducido aflojando con un arado de subsuelo directamente en el centro del surco de la papa (labranza de precisión). La labranza de precision justo antes de la plantacion fue hecha a una profundidad de 60 cm por debajo de la cresta del surco. La reducción resultante en la resistencia del suelo mejoró el enraizamiento por debajo de 30 cm y permitió que las raíces se extendieran en el suelo debajo de la zona de labranza. La productión de tubérculos aumento 6–10% en el año que se realizó la labranza.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  1. Barley, K.P. and E.L. Greacen. 1967. Mechanical resistance as a soil factor influencing the growth of roots and underground shoots. Adv Agron 19: 1–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Carter, L.M., J.R. Stockton, J.R. Tavernetti and R.F. Colwick. 1965. Precision tillage for cotton production. Trans ASAE (Am Soc Agric Eng) 8(2): 177–179.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Carter, Lyle M. 1967. Portable recording penetrometer measures soil strength profiles. Agric. Eng. 48: 348–349.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Carter, Lyle M. and J.R. Tavernetti. 1968. Influence of precision tillage and soil compaction on cotton yields. Trans ASAE (Am Soc Agric Eng) 11(1): 65–67, 73.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Grimes, Donald W. and James C. Bishop. 1971. The influence of some soil physical properties on potato yields and grade distribution. Am Potato J 48: 414–422.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Grimes, D.W., R.J. Miller and P.L. Wiley. 1975. Cotton and corn root development in two field soils of different strength characteristics. Agron J 67: 519–523.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. McKibben, E.G. 1971. Compaction of agricultural soils. ASAE Monograph. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Newman, E.I. 1966. A method of estimating the total length of root in a sample. J Appl Ecol 3: 139–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Stockton, J.R., L.M. Carter, D.M. Basset and H. Yamada. 1962. Precision tillage for cotton production. Calif Agric 16(1): 10, 11.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Taylor, Howard M. and Herbert R. Gardner. 1963. Penetration of cotton seedling taproots as influenced by bulk density, moisture content and strength of soil. Soil Sci 60: 153–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Torssell, W.R., J.E. Begg, C.W. Rose and G.F. Byrne. 1968. Stand morphology of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis). Seasonal growth and root development. Aust J Exp Agric Anim Husb 8: 532–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Contribution from the departments of Vegetable Crops and Land, Air and Water Resources: Water Science and Engineering Section, University of California, Davis 95616.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bishop, J.C., Grimes, D.W. Precision tillage effects on potato root and tuber production. American Potato Journal 55, 65–71 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852093

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852093

Keywords

Navigation