Potato Farming In Potato Farm

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Varieties: roosters
The farm we visited uses two varieties of potatoes, the first of these being being roosters. Rooster is a red-skinned potato, with floury yellow flesh. It was originally bred at the teagasc Oak Park Research Centre in Carlow by Harry Kho, who was one of the top potato breeders at Oak Park Research Centre, Ireland It has become Ireland's number one variety of potato; in 2004, it accounted for 38% of Irish potato production.

Kerrs pinks
The second variety of potato used on the farm was Kerr's pinks. Kerr's Pink is a potato in wide production in Ireland and the United Kingdom . it was introduced to Irish farmers in 1917. Kerr's Pink potatoes have a distinctive pink colour. In 2002, it accounted for 25% of potato production in the Republic of Ireland making it the nation’s second largest variety.

Rotation:
Potatoes require a 3 or 4 year rotation to prevent the build up of potato cyst nematode and other soil borne pests and diseases from damaging the crop. Crop rotation helps to prevent diseases in crops. Ware potatoes should not be grown in the same area for more than one year in four. The farm we visited used the following rotation:
• Potatoes
• Barley
• Barley
• Potatoes

Cultivation practices:
1. Ploughed ploughing is the process of breaking and turning over soil with a plough. The primary purpose of ploughing is to turn over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface, while uprooting and burying weeds and the remains of previous crops, allowing them to break down.

2.Cultivated twice A cultivator is a type of farm implement which is used for secondary tillage....

... middle of paper ...

...vester used is usually an elevator digger which separates the potato from the soil. If potatoes are left on the ground after harvest they are called ground keepers and can be a source of disease in the future.

Storage
Potatoes must be stored in purpose built buildings that are well ventilated, leak proof and frost proof this will prevent damage to the crop. Heat generated by the stacks must be allowed to escape or the potatoes may start to sprout. To prevent sprouting potatoes can be sprayed with a sprout inhibitor. This is necessary because sprouted potatoes may not be sold. Many farmers store their potatoes in refrigerated units so they can sell their potatoes year round.

Yield:
First and second earlies yield around 7 – 10 tonnes per hectare. Main crops have a much higher yield of 30 – 40 tonnes per hectare as they are harvested when they are fully mature.

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