On 20th June, AUA presented a real-world case study of potato cultivation (variety Spunta) in southern Greece:
- Preparation: Soil analysis (revealed nitrogen deficiency), variety selection, certified seed, deep plowing, drip irrigation installation.
- Planting: February planting, growth cycle of ~90–120 days.
- Management:
- First 2 months: Focus on nitrogen and phosphorus (via surface fertilization and fertigation).
- Later months: Emphasis on potassium to improve tuber quality and taste.
- Weed control, preventive sprays for fungal diseases (e.g., late blight), hilling (earthing up).
- Harvest: Test digging to check tuber size and quality, foliage destruction 1.5–2 weeks prior, mechanical harvest, sorting of produce.
The key takeaway was the critical importance of careful planning and ongoing monitoring – “A good farmer doesn’t rely on luck.”
Q&A Highlights
- Drip vs. overhead irrigation: Drip was chosen to minimize leaf wetness (reducing fungal disease risk) and enable precise fertigation.
- Phosphorus early: Essential for strong root development and less mobile in soil.
- Potassium late: Enhances tuber quality, taste, and to some extent yield.
- Spunta variety: Popular, high-yielding, large tubers, good flavor, early maturing, adaptable to various soils and regions.
Watch now here: https://youtu.be/uyJkputwihQ
