202 



a good admixture of clay and an abundance of or- 

 ganic matter are considered best suited to the cul- 

 tivation of this plant. Quality is sometimes im- 

 proved by growing upon more retentive soils, and 

 with some varieties possibly upon more sandy soils, 

 but in either case the extra quality is usually 

 secured at the expense of quantity. The prepara- 

 tion of the soil is 

 generally empha- 

 sized to a greater 

 extent than is the 

 case with most 

 rm^mma Other crops grown 

 ^% MwlwlllliOS f S^^m. under field condi- 



tions. Deep plow- 

 ing is the rule and 

 the soil should be 

 thoroughly fined 

 to the entire plow 

 depth. Clover sods are desirable on account of the 

 large amount of organic matter furnished and its con- 

 sequent effect upon the looseness and friable condi- 

 tion of the soil. While the potato thrives upon soil 

 containing an abundance of organic matter, stable 

 manures should be applied with considerable cau- 

 tion on account of the fact that it is likely to greatly 

 increase the presence of scab, one of the most seri- 

 ous diseases of the tubers. Heavy applications of 

 manure are preferably made to a preceding crop or 

 applied in a well-rotted condition to the clover sods 

 in the fall of the year. For the above reasons com- 

 mercial fertilizers are largely depended upon. The 

 potato is generally considered to be especially bene- 

 fited by heavy applications of potash, but in many 

 locations much better results have been secured from 

 the application of phosphorus. Measured by the 



A SPROUTING POTATO 



