Impact of Farming System on Potato Yield and Tuber Quality in Northern Baltic Sea Climate Conditions

Abstract

For finding more sustainable cropping systems, this study on how the farming system influences the yield and quality of potato tubers was carried out with long-term crop rotation experiment. The long-term five-field crop rotation field trial was established with the following farming system treatments: organic farming system treatments: Org I (organic control), Org II (organic crop rotation with winter cover crops) and Org III (organic crop rotation with winter cover crops and the addition of composted cattle manure); conventional farming system treatments: N0 (conventional system without fertilizers), N50 (conventional system with fertilization, N50P25K95), N100 (conventional system, N100P25K95) and N150 (conventional system, N150P25K95). The average yield (based on 3 trial years) of conventional systems was 25% higher, compared to organic systems. However, in organic systems, the yield was the most stable. The most fluctuating cropping system was the most intensively managed N150. In each trial year, the yield differed statistically and it varied from 4.7 t ha−1 up to 10.9 t ha−1. Org I had the same dry matter yield as the N0 system, where chemicals were used, meaning that using chemicals for plant protection but no fertilizer for growth improvement had no positive effect. In each year, the yield in Org III system was similar to N50 system. Regarding the tubers per plant, there were no differences between farming systems but there was a significant difference between the trial years. The tubers in conventional systems had a lower starch content than the organic systems. It is possible to conclude that if cover crops and manure are used, organic farming practices provide just as good results as the conventional farming with low nitrogen level.

Long-Term Effects of Compost Amendments and Brassica Green Manures in Potato Cropping Systems on Soil and Crop Health and Productivity

“…This indicates that biological properties developed over time to reduce disease severity, potentially due to changes in soil microbial characteristics, general suppression, or other biological mechanisms. Other research has indicated the effects of compost and organic matter amendments on soil microbiology and soil microbial communities [41,51], as well as significant effects on soilborne diseases [52], and organic amendments have been noted for their role in shaping soil microbial communities and the development of disease-suppressive soils [53,54]. However, some short-term studies have not shown significant effects on soilborne diseases or potato yield with various compost amendments [55,56].…”

An Evaluation of Potato Fertilization and the Potential of Farmers to Reduce the Amount of Fertilizer Used Based on Yield and Nutrient Requirements

“…Organic farming has less negative impact on the environment than conventional farming based on chemical fertilizers [21].The long use of mineral fertilizers has caused irreparable damage to soil structures, mineral cycles, soil microbial flora, and plants [22][23][24]. Intensified N fertilization decreased the content of dry matter and starch in potato tubers [25,26]. At the same time, excessive fertilizer usage leads to the waste of resources, reduction of biodiversity, and environmental pollution [27][28][29], which restricts agricultural production.…”

Commercial Quality of Potato Tubers of Different Varieties from Organic and Conventional Production System

“…One of the species whose share in organic farming is small is the potato. This is due to the difficulties in growing this crop in organic production systems, mainly with regard to protection against pathogens such as Phytophthora infestans and Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decelminatea) [2][3][4][5].…”