336 J 



CHAPTER LV. 



POTATO (SOIyANUM TUB^ROSUM). 



JDOrAT/ON: Potato is usually grown after Aus paddy, 

 or jute, or, in tracts of country where the potato is the 

 principal crop, it often forms the only crop of the year. In 

 the district of Baghelkand two crops of potatoes are taken 

 from the same land in one year. It is best to grow a crop of 

 dhciincha (Sesbania aculeata) or sunn-hemp, between June 

 and August and plough the crop in August. This green 

 manuring adds considerably to the produce of potatoes. 

 Lime and fresh ashes together, say 15 mnds. per acre, should 

 be used if green manuring is done, to hasten the decomposi- 

 tion of the manure and prevent insect-pests. 



502. Soil. -The soil should be a sandy loam, of a fine 

 texture, but not clay loam. Such soil, if it contains a good 

 deal of humus matter, which makes it retentive of moisture, 

 is best suited for the crop. Shallow, sandy or stony soils and 

 heavy clay soils, are not suitable for potato. Sandy soil im- 

 proved by the admixture of jhil or pond silt answers 

 very well. Stagnant water is very injurious to this crop and 

 if sowing is done early, in September or October, the land 

 chosen must be high and capable of easy draining. The site 

 selected must also be close to water as irrigation is very 

 necessary for this crop in most districts. 



503. Cultivation. Deep cultivation and thorough pulver- 

 izing of the soil are essential. Two ploughings and two cross- 

 ploughings with the Sibpur plough followed by one grubbing 

 with a five tined grubber and one cross-grubbing should be 

 done as soon as the rainy season is over, the 3 series of 

 operations being conducted at intervals of one week between 

 fhe operations. Then should follow one or two )iarrowings 



