I'.. 1'. I.— 714. 



SUGGI'STIOXS TO POT.VTO GROWERS ON 

 IRRIGATED LANDS. 



^ 



INTRODUCTION. 



Cou-sidering- the difficulties which have confronted potato growers 

 on the irrigated hinds of western Nebraska and northeastern Colorad< 

 during the hist year, it Avouhl seem wise to pay special attention to 

 such questions as the preparation of land, the time and manner of 

 irrigation, the seed supply, and the rotation of crops on lands de- 

 signed for potato culture. 



PREPARATION OF LAND. 



Since the potato is a deep-rooted crop and forms its tubers beneath 

 the soil, it stands to reason that it requires a much deeper seed bed 

 than will be nece.ssary for cereal crops. In fact, the preparation for 

 potatoes should be as deep and as thorough as for sugar beets, whether 

 in the irrigated or in the humid region. If a preparatory crop such 

 as alfalfa or clover is to be turned under for potatoes, it is advisable 

 to plow this crop under in the fall and to compact the soil suffi- 

 ciently to make it a good I'etainer for water, but not so smooth that 

 it will blow. Befoie planting in the spring the land should be made 

 fine to a depth sufficient to admit of planting and cultivation. If 

 unusually dry the land should be irrigated before the crop is planted. 

 If the normal precipitation has occurred during the winter and 

 spring months, tlie crop may be planted without irrigation. It is not 

 advisable, however, to plant the crop in dry, hot earth and to imme- 

 diately irrigate it. Irrigation should precede rather than follow the 

 ])lanting. If the crop does not grow rapidly after planting, irriga- 

 lidii sliould Ik> i)iMvidc(I from time to time as the appearance of the 

 crop and the condition of the soil would indicate; a dark-green or 

 blackish color shows a lack of moistu.re on the part of the plants, 

 while light-green or yellowish tints indicate the presence of too much 

 moisture. The ])lant should be kept growing at the maximum rate 

 from the time it appears above the ground until it has completed its 

 season's work, and cultivation supplemented by irrigation must be 

 relied upon to keep the plant working. 



