Response of potatoes to reduced tillage and different nitrogen fertility levels

Abstract

Conventional tillage in potato production can reduce organic matter levels and cause soil loss. This study compared effects of conventional tillage and zone tillage on plant emergence, weed control, and yield parameters of Russet Burbank potato at nitrogen rates of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 Inconsistent plant emergence across years was likely due to variable weather and planting dates rather than tillage treatment. There were no significant differences between conventional and zone tillage on weed species, weed numbers, weed biomass, or tuber French fry colour. Marketable tuber numbers and total yield were reduced by zone tillage. Nitrogen rate had no effect on any of the variables with the exception that 150 kg ha-1 nitrogen reduced tuber specific gravity compared to the lower rates.