The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1917-03-02
POTATO CULTURE.

POTATO CULTURE.
this time, when so much atten-
Is being paid to the subject Of
10 growing for the market, 1t is
but OF place to give the public any
nation of value on the subject
liable. Farmers bulletin, No. 35,
d by the United States depart
of agriculture, covers the Ques-
pretty thoroughly, and could be
by every farmer with profit. A
can be obtained by writing to any
e senators or congressman from
)tate. The following extracts from
bulletin will be of interest to own
land who may contemplate rails
bis year:
be potato is grown In every state
territory, and naturally on a great
fy of soils. Indeed 1t has been
on nearly every class of soils,
bis fact does not minimize the i'm
nee of selecting for the potato
Ind of soil best adapted to 1t. The
soil for this crop should be one
Pit as to offer no great resistance
e enlargement Of the tubers, 80
led with organic matter as to be
moist without being wet, and
Eh as to furnish an unfailing sup
fertilizing matter. A rich sandy
abundantly supplied with or
matter and naturally we'll drain
preferable. Stiffer soil smay be
red suitable for potato culture
(ainage and by the incorporation
I'm manures; or better, by plOw-
Under green crops. Very heavy
should be avoided by all means
farm contains any lighter soil.
billy cleared ground suits the po-
Sandy soils, if not too subject to
kht, may be fitted for this plant
e addition of organic matter. 1t
Aimed that potatoes grown on
land are of better quality than
grown on stiffer land.
potato requires a rich soil, but
more important than natural fer
is a proper mechanical condi-
of the soil. Artificial fertilizers
be substituted in part for natural
lty, but they are effective only
the soil is in such condition as
Fnish constant supply of water.
potato should have the best soil
e farm, since it Is more exacting
is respect than the other staple
and since the product Of an acre
berally Of greater value.
be success of the potato Is largely
dent on the crop preceding 1t in
fotation. If clover, cowpeas, or
leguminous plant Is grown just
)ding potatoes, its stubble furn-
organic matter and adds to the
Of available nitrogen In the soil. /
after sod frequently precedes
This is generally regarded as the
[rotation.
re Is sometimes sown nlate
her or fall and ployed under so as
khten heavy soil. Buckwheat
bther plants have also been used
be same purpose. On light soils
n rather mild climates, crimson
for green manuring may advan-
)usly AXE the place of rye where
planting of potatoes is not spec
desirable. One year. or at most |
Fears, is as long as a field should
voted to continuou spotato cul-
although this crop is sometimes
for more than two years In sue
pn on the same land. This latter
e taxes heavily the fertility Of the
md necessities liberal manuring;
bver it involves considerable risk
Jury from fungous diseases, es-
ly from potato scab. A clean
bf potatoes can not as a rule. be
on land which in the preceding
produced scabby tubers. The
of he disease once / nthe soil
be starved out by growing on the
Jed fifild other crops, such as
or grain, for several years. In
n localities in the central part
United States and elsewhere for
ast three years, rotation has CIV
ehly satisfactory results on farms
B potatoes are extensively grown:
wheat, in which clover Is seeded
ring; second year, clover, plowed
j in fall or winter; third year.
pes. In some localities the uncer-
les of obtaining a catch of clover
ers this rotation inexpedient.
etailed directions for the prepa-
., Of any one clas sof soils would
4pply to others, hence it can only
)aid that preparation should be
and thorough, and that unneces-
compacting Of the soil should be
ded. Flowing can scarcely be too
u provided that much of the sub
|is not brought to the surface; and
b practicable the depts should be
BASED from year to year. Though
|tubers are usually formed within
inches of the surface of the ground
roots feed deep. At the Utah sta
a very large proportion of potato
b were found IL inches below the
|hce of the ground. At the New
state station, potato roots pene-
ed to a depth of "a inches. Girard,
Prance, measured single roots near
feet long growing on rich soil,
ply prepared. .
tactical experience as we'll as the
(nt of the distribution of potato
Is in the soil, emphasizes the i'm
lance of deep and thorough prep
ion of the soil for thi scrop. As
whether fall plowing Is advisable
ends on a variety of local condi-
Is. In general, in a mild climate fall
wing of light land exposes it tol
hing: on the other hand, fall
hing is sometimes necessary, as for
mple, when a field is badly infested
B injurious insects.
he potato requires liberal manur'
Barnyard manure usually affords
lrge increase in this crop, for not