Bäddodling av matpotatis

Abstract: This study investigated potato growing in beds as an alternative to conventional ridges.It was based on results from field trials on bed-grown potatoes carried out by Halland Rural Economy and Agricultural Society in 2007, studies of literature and interviews with farmers with experience of bed growing of potatoes. Due to their shallow root system, potatoes are one of the most drought-sensitive crops. Potatoes are often grown on sandy soils with poor water-holding capacity. Factors such as total yield, tuber size distribution and quality defects are negatively affected when water becomes insufficient. Wide beds have a more flat top which leads to more uniform water infiltration. Further on, beds have lower soil surface area due to its shape, and therefore, retain water more efficient. In the field trials, which were carried out at the Stjärnarp Estate near Halmstad, potatoes were grown in beds alongside a conventional ridge-grown crop. The plots were treated similary regarding fertilization and crop protection. During the growing season, soil water was measured with a TDR meter. Plant nutrient status were analysed during the growing season. At harvest the tuber yield was graded into three sizes, weighed and assessed with respect to quality defects and cooking properties. The results showed a tendency for higher yield (9%) of bed-grown potatoes compared with ridge-grown. No differences in tuber size ditribution or cooking quality were observed. However, the proportion of tubers with common scab, greening, malformation and skin discoloration was somewhat lower in the bed cultivated treatment than in the ridges. Further on, the results indicated that beds maintained higher and more uniform soil moisture than ridges. The conclusion was that when potatoes are grown on very light soils, bed growing is a viable alternative to conventional ridges since the technique may improve soil water and nutrient retention and thereby increase the tuber quality.