Analysis of soil compaction at potato cultivation

Abstract

The effect of soil mulching with green manure at potato cultivation on the growth, quality and yielding of tubers were investigated on the light loamy soil in 1998/1999. The sowing rate of oil radish used as green manure was 15 kgha?1. Compaction of soil in the ridges ? space of tubers' growth, by wheels of tractor-implement set, is a negative factor at potato cultivation. It results in increased fuel consumption, rising weed infestation, disturbing of water conditions in soil down to the depth of 50?60 cm. Passing of tractor wheels along the furrow compacts the ridge profile. Half of the ridge profile pressed by tractor wheel, decreases by 20.6 cm2 in comparison to the other half. There occur asymmetrical curves illustrating soil compactness on the width of interrow surface. At harvesting of potato tubers the positive effect of mulching on crushing of soil clods was observed. The amount of soil aggregates of size below 10 mm were much higher and aggregates exceeding 30 mm much less, as compared with control field. Mulching of the soil positively affected also the size of potato tubers and consequently-their yield. On experimental object effects of factors such as increased volume and reduction of soil compaction in the ridges, were also observed.