CHAPTER XIII 



POTATOES 



In northern states the word "potato" almost invariably refers 

 to the Irish potato. In southern states, however, the meaning is 

 less definite and the name "potato" would cause some to first 

 think of the sweet potato. Because of this uncertainty, we should 

 refer to these two crops with their more definite names, "Irish 

 potato" and "sweet potato." 



IRISH POTATOES 



This crop originated in America. Later it was introduced into 

 Ireland and was grown so extensively in that country that the 

 name "Irish potato" clung to it. It is grown in nearly all parts of 

 the civilized world and leads all other crops in total tonnage. In 

 production recent statistics show the order of maximum tonnage 

 in the following countries: Germany, European Russia, Austria 

 Hungary, France, United States, United Kingdom of Great 

 Britian. The average yields vary from one to two hundred bushels 

 of sixty pounds each. In the United States, the eight leading 

 states are placed in the following order: New York, Michigan, 

 Wisconsin, Maine, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Iowa. Maine 

 has the honor of producing the largest average in bushels per acre. 



Soils for Potatoes. — Crops of the best quality are produced on 

 rich sandy loams rather than on heavy soils. Rich sandy loams 

 also produce earlier crops than the heavy soils. Long-season varie- 

 ties, which are intended for keeping over winter, may be grown 

 very successfully in the medium and clay loams provided enough 

 organic matter is present. The best method of adding organic 

 matter to the soil for potatoes is by using green manure. Barn- 

 yard manure if applied to the soil several months or a year in 

 advance will add much humus but it is not a good practice to 

 apply the barnyard manure just before the planting of the crop. 

 It tends to increase the scab disease and does not benefit the soil 

 for that crop. 



Under-drainage will greatly improve heavy soils for the potato 

 crop. The soil will be better aerated and will not become puddled. 

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