Improving the efficiency of rainwater and irrigation use in the potato cropping system

Description

This project proposes an intervention in a typical potato cropping system to enhance the crop uptake of water and nitrogen. We propose interventions that will increase the water-retention capacity (rainfall or irrigation) of the cropping system and increase the volume of soil colonized by the roots, where the nitrogen supplied has the potential to be taken up by the crop. With these interventions it should be possible to reduce the amount of nitrogen introduced in the form of fertilizer and, thus, reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.

Objective(s)

• Intervene to increase the weight of tubers produced per unit of nitrogen supplied, and
• Intervene to increase the quantity of tubers produced per unit of irrigation water supplied.
• Compare the cropping systems, in terms of profit potential, with regards to their adoption and utilization.