Effect of organic mulch application on the yield of potato seed crop

Abstract

A two-year experiment (1994-1995) to evaluate the effect of organic mulch application on the yield height and structure of potato seed crop (Solarium tuberosum L. cv. Desireé: elite origin Holland) was conducted at Kucay mountain, on the red-brown acidic soil at Permian Sendstone. An application of organic mulch (air-dry material from natural meadows Festucetum falax rubrae), after the ridging of potatoes, resulted in a significant decrease of soil temperature in the area of tuber growth, and the conservation of soil moisture. The results of potato yield height and structure pointed to the significant influence of mulching on the number of tubers and mass per plant. A very significant difference in average potato yield between conventional growing practice (40,191 t.ha-1) and mulching (50,226 t.ha-1) was recognized. No significant differences in total yield between examined years was observed, while in regards to yield structure it was determined that earlier planting (1993) caused structural change and proceeded to seed fraction overgrowth.