There are very few arable lands in Holland that are not fertile. Despite this, today the Dutch potato growing technology is applied throughout Europe. This technology implies the use of high-quality seed material, as well as tight control at all stages of growth. The technique can be used both for obtaining large volumes of solanaceous plants on industrial grounds, and in the country.
The principle of Dutch potato growing technology
Method essence
Growing potatoes according to Dutch technology is distinguished by the ridge planting method. This move allows you to clearly control the oxygen supply and soil moisture level. Recommended planting depth is maximum 10 cm.
The cultivation scheme involves planting in shallow trenches. As the ground part develops, the earthen roll is increased, which makes it possible to enrich the soil with oxygen, avoid stagnant moisture and the spread of fungal diseases. Growing potatoes according to Dutch technology requires strict adherence to agrotechnical rules at every stage of crop development. The method involves the implementation of such activities:
- selection of high-quality seed material;
- preparatory work with the soil;
- planting plants according to a certain pattern;
- proper care;
- harvesting potatoes.
The scheme of growing potatoes according to Dutch technology was developed by specialists for use on an industrial scale. However, many farmers use the method at home. Compliance with agrotechnical rules throughout the growing season can significantly improve the quality of the soil and get a good harvest. The cultivation technology allows you to get 2-3 kg of potatoes from 1 bush.
Planting material
Which potatoes are suitable for Dutch cultivation? First of all, you need to choose a good variety of potatoes. Even varieties that are not prone to degeneration are recommended to be completely renewed after 4-5 years. A root crop loved by many, it is very often exposed to various fungal diseases, therefore, over the years, the yield in any case begins to decline. In recent years, Dutch varieties have been particularly popular. However, some farmers prefer domestic varieties of potatoes, citing the mediocre taste of Dutch crops. In addition, imported plants do not take root in every region.
Among the Dutch varieties, the most commonly used are:
- Impala;
- Jarl;
- Eba;
- Frisia;
- Prior and others.
Popular domestic varieties: Luck, Nevsky, Sonok, Lugovskoy.
Seed preparation
Potatoes of the first reproduction should not be taken as seed, it is better to give preference to 2-3 reproductions. Potatoes 3-5 cm are ideal for Dutch cultivation. Smaller roots should not be used. Each potato must have at least 5 eyes.
Dutch technology potatoes should be germinated first. To do this, use any of the standard methods used for a normal landing. The difference is that the Dutch plant the potatoes when the sprouts reach 0.5 cm. These sprout sizes are optimal for mechanical planting. In our regions, seedlings with such sprouts can die from a sharp temperature drop, so do not rush to planting. Sprouts on potatoes should reach at least 2.5 cm, especially if planting is carried out manually in a summer cottage.
Working with soil
It is important to choose the right landing site
Planting potatoes using Dutch technology involves additional preparatory work with the soil. An important condition is the choice of the site. It is not recommended to plant potatoes on slopes. In this case, the water will flow down, and the earth will fall off.
The method involves the use of a fertile layer for sprinkling potatoes. It must contain humus, otherwise you need to generously fertilize the soil with organic matter. It is strictly forbidden to disembark at the same place. The culture can be returned to the old site only for 3 years. In the conditions of small areas, the crop is grown in the same place, with the condition of introducing a large amount of organic matter and treating the soil with herbicides.
You should not plant potatoes in place of tomatoes or other nightshade crops. This can lead to late blight infection. It is recommended to select the area where:
- winter crops;
- beans;
- linen;
- radish;
- cereals;
- cucumbers;
- legumes.
Autumn preparation
The process of soil cultivation begins in the fall, after the harvest. The site is dug to a depth of 25-30 cm, removing all roots and weeds. After that, organic fertilizer is applied at the rate of 5 kg per 10 m2.
Of mineral fertilizers, they are practiced using potassium compounds and superphosphates, in amounts of 0.2 kg and 0.5 kg. If the site is slightly inclined, it is better not to carry out autumn feeding, otherwise in the spring it will wash the nutrients with water. Before planting potatoes, you need to choose a way to control weeds and pests. For this, the Dutch use large quantities of mineral fertilizers and herbicides. In a small farm, it is advisable to use only minerals.
Spring preparation
In the spring, the site should again be loosened to a depth of about 15 cm. This method allows you to maintain the optimal amount of oxygen in the deep layers of the soil. With this method of cultivation, air chambers are formed through which moisture circulates.
If in Holland the planting is carried out without waiting for the soil to warm up, then in our conditions you need to wait until the soil is ready for planting. It is not recommended to tamp or cover the ground. This will allow the upper layers to dry out and heat up faster. In spring, most often, nitrogen-potassium compounds, such as ash or urea, are introduced.
Optimal disembarkation time
Potatoes can be planted in mid-March
The main requirement for the planting time is soil preparation. When the ground is well behind the shovel, you can start planting the tubers. They start planting potatoes around mid-March. The term will differ depending on the climatic conditions of the region. It is not recommended to plant in cold ground, otherwise the tubers may freeze out.
With early planting, the root system develops much faster, and the ground part grows evenly. It is important to remember that preparation of the ground begins just before planting. If you prepare for a month, aeration and the drainage process are disrupted, which reduces yield indicators.
Landing scheme
In conditions of large farms and small private lands, planting is carried out from north to south. Thanks to this method, plants are evenly illuminated from all sides, reducing the risk of infection with a fungal disease. The optimal distance between the trenches is 75 cm. The indentations for planting should be 4-8 cm, maximum 10 cm.
Potatoes in the beds are placed in increments of 30 cm. With this arrangement, each bush has the ability to develop normally, and the rhizome receives the required amount of heat and minerals. In order to protect the plantings from wireworms and other pests, the bottom of the beds is sprinkled with onion husks, then fertilized with compost. The tubers themselves are powdered with ash.
To close the trenches, embankments are made 10 cm high and no more than 35 cm wide. Throughout the entire growth period, it will be necessary to periodically add soil. 28-30 days after the first shoots are hatched, the embankment is increased to 25 cm in height and 75 cm in width.
The culture needs regular loosening of the soil and adding soil to the crumbling ridges. In addition, the Dutch cultivation method involves the use of fungicides and herbicides in order to prevent pests and the spread of fungal diseases. Performing simple plant care activities allows you to get a good harvest in any region.
Care
Care rules:
- 14 days after planting, you need to remove the weeds, loosen the soil between the rows;
- to prevent the growth of weeds, the aisles should be treated with a herbicidal agent;
- watering is carried out 3 times for the entire season: during the budding period, after the flowers have fallen and a month before harvesting.
Regular loosening of the soil contributes to the uniform development of the ground part and rhizomes, as well as the removal of excess moisture. When using herbicides, it is important to take into account that the effect of the drugs lasts 14 days, therefore, 6 treatments are carried out for the entire period. Prevention with chemicals is carried out strictly before the beginning of budding. It is strictly forbidden to use chemicals during flowering.
When potatoes are grown using the Dutch method, direct irrigation is not used, otherwise the embankments can be destroyed. The best option is a drip system. It ensures uniform penetration of moisture into all soil layers. This watering option saves water and directs it directly to the rootstock.
Harvest
The harvesting time depends entirely on the potato variety and the growing purpose. Seed potatoes of late varieties are harvested in early August. During this period, the bulk of root crops reaches the required size and degree of maturity. Otherwise, the dates vary from early July to late August.
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Before harvesting, it is recommended to treat the tops with drying agents or mow them. As a result of this treatment, the tubers fully ripen, and the skin becomes dense. This reduces the risk of mechanical damage, as well as improves safety. Treatment with desiccants (drying agents) allows you to save tubers from late blight infection.
All these drugs have a fungicidal effect, which is aimed at destroying living tissue on which the spores of the fungus are located. As a result, the disease is destroyed along with the ground part and does not pass to root crops. Today, Dutch technology potatoes are often grown at home. This allows you to get a good harvest in any region.