Not every gardener can afford to change the place allocated for growing potatoes every year.
An expert of the online publication Belnovosti, agronomist, and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh told us what problems can arise if crop rotation rules are neglected.
1. Decrease in soil fertility
All crops absorb nutrients from the soil. Each in its own proportions.
Speaking of potatoes, they draw out potassium, so if there is no crop rotation, you will have to take care to replenish the NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) balance.
2. Accumulation of pests and pathogens
The main potato diseases, including late blight, rhizoctonia and scab, are caused by fungi. They remain for the winter where potatoes used to grow.
The same goes for pests that lay eggs near the forage crop. Therefore, if you decide to plant potatoes again in the same area as last year, get ready to fight parasites and microorganisms that cause diseases.
3. Deterioration of crop quality
The first two problems will inevitably affect the quality of the harvested potato crop. The tubers will degenerate and become smaller, and will also be stored worse. In such a situation, you will have to pay more attention to the quality and preparation of the seed material.
