The twice-a-week Twin Falls times. (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1916-1918, 1917-06-26
POTATOES SHOULD HAVE
GOOD CARE THIS YEAR
Loose, Well Aerated Soil Needed for
Best Results inthe Land of Emperor
Spud Murphy.


Extension Division, University of Idaho
A loose, well aerated soil must be
maintained at all times, if the potato
is expected to make its normal growth.
The best cultural methods are aimed
to make and keep the potato soil porous
and friable to the bottom of the flu
row all during the season. Unfortu-
nately, this season the force of circum-
stances has in many cases tended to re-
duce the care in preparation of the po-
tato seed bed. Again, heavy rains at
or Immediately after planting have SER
iously compressed the heavier soils, so
that there is danger that such soil fun
gi as ~Rhizaotonia, Fusarium and scab
will be more han ordinarily destruc-
tive this season. A cold, wet soil fav-
ors the development of these diseases.
Early, deep cultivation l%oosens, aerates
andwarms the soil; hence, discourages
these diseases.
On most Idaho soils, under normal
conditions, it is not necessary to prac-
tice extra deep cultivation of the po-
tato. Under the conditions this year,
however, it may be not only advisable,
but of vital Importance, to thoroughly
loosen up the soil C the potato fields
by deep cultivation. 1t is not possible
to make any statement that will apply
to all potato fields except to say that
the soil should be at all times, during
the growing season, in such a condi-
ton that one can easily dig with the
hand down to or below where the new
tubers are forming.
Each grower should carefully ex-
anime the soil in several parts of his
field. If it is packed tight around the
seed piece, the soil needs deep cult
walton. If it is not, shallow c%ultiva-
ton, simply to maintain a soil mulch
and make available plant food in the
soil, will give better results.
Don't hurry the irrigation season
Many growers are itching to get the
irrigation water running in the potato
fields. If the soil at the bottom of the
furrow is lacking in moisture it may be
wise to irrigate while the plants are
small. Otherwise, it is better to resis
the temptation and keep the water of
as long as possible-at least until The
=, tubers for the crop are all set. Fot
main crop potatoes, this time will no
! arrive till July. The field may lool
! better for the time being if water i
applied early, but if it is given to-
soon a good crop of disease and a poo
crop of potatoes will probably be as
sured.
} The first principle, where row irri
cation is necessary, is to have goo,
bitches or burrows between the rows
These may be deep or shallow, depend
ing mostly on the slope of the land.
and a very small stream of water, els
n steep slope needs but a shallow ditc.
n washing will result, and the water mus
n run for a long time so as to insure sui
n ficient p%ercolation of the water into tn
n sub-soil. The more nearly level tn
n land, the deeper and larger the ditc
n that is needed, so as to carry a larg
n head of water and get through quick,
n orthe surface soil will be saturated an
n packing will result. Flooding tn
ground should be carefully avoided.
fact, the soil saturation should not /
allowed to come above the developin
tubers, if it can be avoided. After i
rigation is commenced, aim to keep I'll
soil with as nearly the same degree ,
moisture as possible till the tubers al
y near maturity; then allow them to ripe
in a dry soil.