Potato and Tuber Crops

Water Management

• Before planting operation it should be kept in mind that sufficient soil moisture is available for satisfactory sprouting.
• If not then light pre-irrigation or just after planting may be given.
• The rate of water use is low till 30-35 days after planting; it means that the first irrigation is essentially done within 30-35 days after planting.
• However, when soil moisture seems insufficient for sprouting, intervals of first irrigation should be reduced.
• Further, irrigation is done as and when crop needs. As regards method of irrigation in potato, the furrow method is commonly followed. Irrigation water and fertilizer nutrients occupy dominant position in potato production.
• In present day context, due to continuous cropping and raising of high water requiring crops, overdraft of groundwater at rates higher than recharge had led to decline in water table in many areas of north-western and central plains of India.
• Very high dose of fertilizers coupled with excessive water through traditional method resulting in leaching of nutrients, reduction in water- and fertilizer-use efficiency and groundwater pollution.
• The leaching of nitrates could be a major threat to environment in different agricultural situations. The use of drip and sprinkler methods of irrigation in potato helps increase production, saving vital resource for future generations.