130 CHAPTER VIII 



Lime or manures giving an alkaline reaction should not 

 be used immediately before planting, as soil conditions will 

 then favour the development of Scab (Actinomyces chromo- 

 genus). 



Cultural Methods. — The potato responds to good soil 

 treatment better than most field crops. Initial ploughing 

 should be deep and thorough as the plant requires a deep, 

 mellow and moist seed-bed. Just prior to planting, the field 

 should be either cross-ploughed, disced or cultivated in order 

 to loosen the soil and to establish a fine tilth. 



Planting. — There are at least two methods in vogue in 

 the Union, namely, the " ridge " and the " flat " system. 

 In the former system the tubers are planted in furrows or 

 drills, previously drawn with a ridging plough after the seed- 

 bed has been prepared. In the latter method they are planted 

 between the second and third share or disc of a three-furrow 

 plough, or else in the second furrow of a two-furrow plough, 

 followed by a single-furrow plough to cover up the seed. 



Most of the seed is planted by hand, as machines have 

 proved unsatisfactory so far. The sets are placed either 

 slightly to the right in the furrow where the trek animals 

 cannot trample on them, or else thev are dropped in the furrow 

 between the hind oxen and the plough, or, better still, from 

 the seat of the plough between the second and third share or 

 disc of a three-furrow plough. 



The " ridge " system is recommended under irrigation 

 and where the crop is likely to experience a wet season. In 

 the former case ridging facilitates water-leading, and prevents 

 encrustation of the soil next to the plant, and in the second 

 it affords drainage. 



On dry-lands the " flat " or level system will, in most 

 cases, prove to be the most useful and profitable one, as it will 

 assist in conserving moisture. 



Quantity per Acre. — The quantity required will vary 

 with the size of the sets and the spacing. About 1,000 lbs. 

 (6 to 7 bags) of tubers the size of a hen's egg (2 to 2J ozs. in 

 weight) is the average amount planted. 



The " seed " should be sonnd, free from disease and 

 sprouted, or at least showing signs of germination. 



If a moist condition of the soil is assured large tubers may 

 be cut to about the above weight to economise in " seed." 

 They should be cut to have, as far as possible, two to three 

 eyes per piece, and the cut surfaces should be covered with 



