Improving potato crop water-use efficiency through cropping system modifications

Description

In between rains or irrigations, crops must fulfill their water needs using water reserves in the soil.

Under optimal conditions the soil, water, nutrients and plant roots are all in one location and in sufficient quantities. The umbrella-type potato cropping system currently used reduces the water volume retained in the soil and accessible to crops.

Modifying the cropping system design is an effective way to improve potato crop water-use efficiency and, thereby, lessen the risk of crops experiencing water stress. Furthermore, better water utilization means better nitrogen utilization!

Objective(s)

• Increase the number of days without water stress following rain or irrigation.
• Make more efficient use of water obtained from rain or irrigation.
• Increase the tuber yield per surface area.
• Analyze the profitability potential for this type of intervention.