Generally, we should not cultivate potatoes in the same field for two years in succession, because the soil will be depleted and the danger of disease dissemination increases significantly. A common crop rotation scheme for potato growers is “Potato – Beans- Corn – Wheat- Potato etc.” Alfalfa or other leguminous are also cultivated in soils where potatoes have just been harvested. Growing alfalfa in potato farms is very common in the United States.

Good soil preparation has been found to have a remarkable effect on product uniformity. Potato plants can grow and develop more easily in loose, loamy soil. There are two ways to improve your soil condition. The first is adding well-rotted compost two months before planting potatoes. The second is planting a cover crop (leguminous) as green manure during fall and plow the plants two months before planting potatoes. If your soil is eroded from constant potato cultivation, you may have to apply both corrective actions and consult a licensed agronomist.

Cultivating potatoes requires extensive soil preparation. The basic soil preparation for potato farming starts during the winter (December), 2-3 months before planting seed potatoes. Farmers often plow deeply at that time, so that they can get rid of weeds and rocks and the soil can become suitable (soft, well-drained and well-aerated) in order to welcome the seeds. In most cases, three plowing sessions, along with frequent harrowing and rolling, are necessary before the soil reaches a suitable condition.

You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your potato soil improvement methods.

1.) Potato Plant Information

2.) How to grow potatoes

3.) Growing Potatoes for Profit

4.) Soil Requirements and Preparation for Potato cultivation

5.) Potato Planting, Seeding Rate and Plant Spacing

6.) Potato Fertilizer Requirements

7.) Potato Water Requirements and Irrigation Systems

8.) Potato Pests and Diseases

9.) Potato Harvest, Yield and Storage

10.) Q&As Potato 

11.) Wholesale Potato Market 

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