Results of potato trials to be revealed at open day

Depth of cultivation among issues at Bruce Farm event next week

The findings of potato cultivation trials will be revealed to farmers at an open day on Bruce Farms, Meigle, next week.

Scientist Dr Mark Stalham will tell the industry about research which has shown that reducing cultivation depths can save time and money while increasing yield and quality.

He will present data from 2016 trials which show how different cultivation systems can have a significant impact on pack out figures.

“We will outline the likely results from the four cultivation treatments currently on trial and explain why, to achieve the optimum economic result, farmers could remove bed-tilling completely and sensibly reduce the depth to which they destone and bed-form,” he said.

“Too many growers are still bed-tilling in the belief it makes destoning easier. But really the focus should be on destoning at the right depth, which will reduce the need to bed-till.”

Bruce Farms is home to a series of research trials run by AHDB Potatoes as part of its monitor farms programme, which aims to demonstrate cutting-edge techniques appropriate to the region and market sector.

Other work will be revealed by James Hutton Institute researcher Dr Blair MacKenzie, who will focus on cover crops and talk attendees through the treatments chosen for the farm.

His colleague, blight expert Dr Alison Lees, will discuss soil sampling and blight-spore trapping.

Bruce Farms are trialling different fertilizer rates and applications including liquid fertilizer, Standen, reduced rate N and a standard commercial treatment. This work will be covered by AHDB knowledge exchange manager Dr Anne Stone.

Full details of the trials programme will be presented to the potato industry at the open day on Tuesday. Those interested in attending can chose either the morning or afternoon session, as both will cover the same topics.

Anyone attending in the morning should arrive at 10am, while those attending in the afternoon should arrive at 12.30pm. Lunch will be provided.

Picture: Alan Richardson. Bruce Farms manager Kerr Howatson. An open day will reveal the findings of potato cultivation trials.

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