A comparison of sod crops for use in rotation with potatoes

Summary

Redtop, timothy, redtop-timothy, timothy-red clover, timothy-alsike clover, and redtop-alsike clover were grown in a 4-year rotation with Katahdin potatoes. The sod crops were grown for two years followed by two years of potatoes. The sod crops were clipped and left on the ground. The average yields of potatoes for the 4-year period 1953–1956 inclusive varied from 478 bushels of U. S. No. 1 potatoes following timothy to 552 bushels following redtop. Redtop, used in combination with other crops was more effective than timothy used similarly in increasing yields of potatoes in the rotation. There were no appreciable differences in the specific gravity of the potatoes following the various sod crops. No differences were found in soil organic matter, soil aggregation, bulk density or soil moisture holding capacity following the different sod crops.