Tubers harvested from a wet clay soil will also require washing to remove soil particles. These soils are not considered suitable for commercial potato production. Soil Salinity - Soil salinity refers to a condition where water soluble salts are present in sufficient amounts to affect crop growth. The main salts present in Manitoba soils are calcium, magnesium, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride. Soil salinity generally occurs in localized depressions of the till plains in south western Manitoba and in Red River basin low lands of south central Manitoba.
Soil salinity is measured by passing an electrical current through a soil paste.
The higher the salt content the more current that passes. A reading of less than 2 is required for potatoes. Plants growing in saline soil may suffer from stress because they are unable to withdraw water and nutrients from the soil. In areas where the soils are moderately saline, salt tolerant annual crops such as barley and oats should be grown on a more continuous basis. Forage crops should also be included in the rotation.