CHAPTER IV 



POTATO SOILS 



DRAINAGE is the most important requisite 

 in a potato soil. It must either be present 

 naturally or supplied artificially. 



So important is this subject considered that a 

 chapter on tile drainage is being included (Chap- 

 ter V).^ 



As in the subject of climatic requirements, 

 much regarding the soil requirements of the potato 

 may be learned from a study of the soil conditions 

 in the home of the wild potato. In its native 

 habitat the potato grows in loose, friable, well- 

 drained, easily worked, perfectly aerated soil. 



The physical or mechanical condition of a po- 

 tato soil is a more important factor than the fer- 

 tility, although any plant requires a rich soil for 

 its greatest development. 



For the uniform, perfect development of all 

 parts of the potato plant there must be a constant 

 supply of air and oxygen, moisture and fertility. 

 It is impossible to grow good potatoes in a water- 

 logged soil. 



Where soils are infected with disease it is found 

 beneficial to turn out the furrow in which the po- 

 tatoes are to be planted, allowing the sun and air 

 free access to it. European growers who practise 

 this believe that they lessen liability to infection. 



In the Twin Falls country in southern Idaho — 

 one of the best potato growing sections in the world 



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