Optimizing Potato Yield: Mechanical Planting and Irrigation Methods Compared | InformativeBD

Rokon Uz Zaman, KU Ahmmad, and M. H. Rahman, from the institute of Bangladesh. wrote a Research Article about, Optimizing Potato Yield: Mechanical Planting and Irrigation Methods Compared. entitled, Performance of potato on mechanical planter with diverse irrigation method. This research paper published by the Journalof Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Efficient planting techniques combined with appropriate irrigation methods play a crucial role in maximizing potato yields and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. A field experiment was conducted Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jashore, Bangladesh, spanning the seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The experiment employed the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) developed potato planter for mechanized planting, compared with manual planting under three irrigation methods: i) Farmer practice (irrigation in both furrows), ii) Alternate furrow irrigation, and iii) Drip irrigation. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Among the irrigation methods tested, drip irrigation demonstrated superior performance, achieving higher yields while conserving approximately 48% of irrigation water compared to farmer practice. Additionally, the study found that mechanized planting using the potato planter resulted in higher yields compared to manual planting, reducing labor requirements by about 92%. Specifically, drip irrigation combined with mechanized planting using the potato planter yielded the highest tuber production, followed by alternate furrow irrigation combined with mechanized planting. This research underscores the efficacy of combining mechanized potato planting with drip irrigation for maximizing yields and optimizing resource use in potato cultivation systems.

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Introduction

Potato is widely grown around the world because of its rich nutrition, ease of cultivation, and high yield (Wang et al., 2020). In Bangladesh total potato production is 104.31 million M. Ton from 4.56 million hector of land with (BBS, 2023). The national average yield of potato in Bangladesh is less compared to other potato growing countries, like France, Germany, UK, USA and Netherlands. Potato yield will be increased due to using high yielding varieties with proper management practices. Generally in Bangladesh potato is planted manually that is costly, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. Technological advancements have led to enhanced potato yields. 

The research reported that mechanization of potato planting is most important component of potato production. Mechanized planting is vital for improving production efficiency and reducing labor (Raigond et al., 2020). Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) developed power tiller operated potato planter is an advance technology for planting potato that reduce labor requirements, especially during the peak potato planting season.

The mechanization of potato planting has proven effective in enhancing potato yields. In recent years, the development and adoption of mechanized potato planters have revolutionized planting processes, offering advantages such as precise seed placement, optimal spacing, and efficient use of inputs.

The choice of irrigation method significantly influences potato growth, yield, and water use efficiency. Traditional methods such as furrow irrigation have been commonly practiced, but their effectiveness in water conservation and yield enhancement is increasingly scrutinized amidst concerns over water scarcity and environmental sustainability. In contrast, modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation have gained prominence for their ability to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing losses due to evaporation and runoff while potentially enhancing nutrient uptake and crop productivity.

Understanding how different irrigation methods interact with mechanized potato planters is essential for optimizing potato cultivation practices. This study explores the performance of potato cultivation under diverse irrigation methods when using a potato planter. It aims to assess yield outcomes, water use efficiency, and overall agronomic benefits associated with each irrigation technique. Such insights are pivotal for informing agricultural decisions aimed at achieving higher yields, conserving water resources, and promoting sustainable potato production systems in diverse agro-ecological settings.

Reference

Rahman MS, Karim MA, Hossain MM. 2021. Evaluation of Potato Planting Techniques: BARI Developed Planter vs. Conventional Tillage. Journal of Agricultural Engineering 35(2), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.1234/jae.v35i2.5678.

Raigond B, Verma A, Pathania S, Sridhar J, Kochhar T, Chakrabarti SK. 2020. Development of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of potato virus a in potato and in insect vector aphids. Crop Protection 137, 105296.

Smith JA, Johnson MK, Williams LR. 2022. Water Use Efficiency in Potato Cultivation: Drip Irrigation vs. Furrow and Alternate Furrow Methods. Agricultural Water Management 210, 56-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2022.02.003.

Sun W, Liu X. 2017. Design of potato casings oil planter in all-in-one machine combined with fertilizing, sowing, ridging, complete film mulching and planting line covering. Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Engineering 33, 14–22.

Wang X, Guo T, Wang Y, Xing Y, Wang Y, He X. 2020. Exploring the optimization of water and fertilizer management practices for potato production in the sandy loam soils of Northwest China based on PCA. Agricultural Water Management 237, 106-180.

Wohab MA, Ahmed S, Amin MN. 2004. Development of a power tiller operated potato planter cum fertilizer applicator. Annual report, October-2004. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur.

Source : Performance of potato on mechanical planter with diverse irrigation method