Potatoes - Maximillian Hardegg, Austria
Inputs
Profitability of potato production is heavily influenced by irrigation management; correct irrigation applications during tuber initiation is vital for the development of high-quality potatoes.
The water storage initiative on the Seefield farm (see Operations) brings benefits to the local environment, while providing economic and production advantages. The farm has invested in a Dacom system of soil moisture meters which are placed in the potato fields at three depths, measuring soil moisture levels, and allowing the farm to monitor and adjust irrigation levels accordingly.
Irrigation is provided by a centre pivot system which is capable of covering 800 hectares of the farm. Irrigating the crop in a timely and cost-effective way is crucial; as little as one episode of water stress can have severe consequences on potato quality, affecting grades and prices paid. The centre pivot system, although expensive to install, does have labour-saving benefits and the ability to accurately apply the required amounts of water to the crop.
Innovative water storage solutions, combined with investments in modern monitoring and irrigation techniques, ensure that water use is optimised, minimising waste and maximising crop quality.
The farm is acutely aware that fertilisers can be a major source of water pollution. Limiting fertiliser use via careful planning saves the farm money and reduces negative environmental impacts. Routine four-yearly soil tests for potash and phosphate are undertaken to ensure reserves are maintained, but not exceeded.
The farm tests soils for mobilised nitrogen levels in the autumn and spring. Testing in the autumn is undertaken to ensure there is an adequate level of nitrogen (target of 90 kg N/Ha) in the soil to aid in the breakdown of incorporated cereal straw from the harvested crop. An insufficient level of nitrogen in the soil leads to possible nitrogen deficiencies in autumn sown crops and inadequate breakdown of incorporated organic matter.
Mobilised nitrogen is tested in the spring to guarantee that the required levels of nitrogen are made available for the growing crop. Pig slurry is used to supplement soil nitrogen levels (and phosphate/potash), and is applied to the land using low-level application techniques, followed by swift incorporation into the soil which minimises loss of ammonia.
Regular soil testing, combined with the targeted application of the farm’s pig slurry, ensures the farm applies the optimal amount of fertiliser to produce a strong crop while limiting negative environmental impact.