There is a well known saying, 'no pain, no gain' and that will be ringing true in the minds of Milk Link’s 1,600 producers, who are on the brink of reaping just reward for 12 years of loyalty and investment.Plan well ahead to manage compaction
APPROXIMATELY two-thirds of potato fields are affected by compaction but looking for it is not done routinely and when it is, quite often it’s not early enough, growers attending the East Midlands Potato Day heard.
Catchment Sensitive Farming regional co-ordinator Nigel Simpson told growers attending the event, that compaction had been identified as the most likely soil structural problem on potato land and was often the result of cultivating land for seedbed preparation in less than ideal conditions.
He advised growers to dig holes of about 55cm deep to examine soil structure 18 months and six months before planting potatoes.
Where there was compaction, inappropriate action to remedy it could make things worse.
“However, ignoring it can affect crop yield and increase nutrient loss to adjacent watercourses,” said Mr Simpson.
He suggested a number of ways of avoiding compaction, including avoiding stone and clod separating on all field, using low ground pressure tyres and planning the harvest schedule according to soil texture.
He also urged growers to assess potential soil and water risks on their farms using maps and field visits.
Correcting compaction
- Use a spade to inspect areas where damage is likely
- Confirm depth of compaction and aim to cultivate 5cm below it
- Aim to lift and crack compacted soil to promote natural self-structuring rather than just disrupt
- Avoid wet soil conditions likely to cause more damage
- Plan to remove compaction when necessary
Farmers Guardian newsletters
Get the best of Farmers Guardian delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign-up today
-
General news and breaking news alerts
Minimum weekly delivery -
Livestock, arable, dairy and young farmers
news and features
Monthly delivery