S15 - Session P3 - Influence of planting and hilling configurations on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in North Dakota

Authors: Matthew Brooke, Andrej Svyantek, J. Stenger, Collin Auwarter, Dean Steele, Harlene Hatterman-Valenti *

Irrigated potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) production relies on water management due to plant sensitivity to water stress from a shallow rooting system and soils with low water holding capacities. Seed pieces are typically planted in a furrow with subsequent hilling for early-season weed control, to prevent tuber sunscald, and to ease harvest operations. However, during irrigation and intense rainfall events, these hills shed water toward the furrow, especially when canopy cover is not complete, thus intensifying potential water stress. However, could water-use increase by manipulating the hill shape? The objective of this study was to compare the effect of potato hill configuration on soil moisture content, potato yield, and quality when using 'Russet Burbank', a cultivar very sensitive to heat and water stress at the tuber initiation stage. Treatments consisted of 1) conventional hill, 2) "M" shaped hill, 3) flat hill, 4) level culture, and 5) in-furrow planting. Five plants (tubers, roots, and shoots) per treatment were dug from each rep and measured, counted, and weighed approximately 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks after planting. Soil moisture content in the hill and furrow of each treatment was monitored. The in-furrow treatment had the lowest total yield for both years. In contrast, "M" shaped hilling and conventional hilling had the greatest total yields both years. During the month of August, typically the driest part of the year, "M" shaped hilling was found to have significantly greater soil moisture than conventional hilling or flat hilling. With the increase of extreme climatic conditions, growers must adapt to conserve water and become more sustainable within growing systems. Evaluating different methods of hilling for 'Russet Burbank' potatoes has shown potential to conserve water. However, more research is needed, focusing on the broader impacts of hill geometry within the potato industry.