How to Protect Potatoes from Scab: Here's What You Need to Add to the Soil

10.05.2023 11:13

Scab is a disease that is quite common in potatoes.

It is very easy to detect this disease: if numerous hardened brown spots appear on the tubers, then it was not possible to prevent the problem.

Many gardeners prefer not to pay attention to this difficulty at all. The fact is that scab does not affect the taste of the vegetable.

However, due to the disease, another problem arises: the harvest is no longer suitable for long-term storage.

This circumstance suggests that the crop should still be protected from scab.

potato
Photo: © Belnovosti

But how can we reduce the risk of potatoes developing this unpleasant disease? What can act as a preventive measure?

What should be added to the soil

It is advisable to moderately acidify the soil. If the cover becomes slightly acidic, the disease is unlikely to make itself known.

The desired result can be achieved by adding ammonium sulfate when loosening. Two kilos of this product will be quite enough for 100 square meters.

Ammonium nitrate also demonstrates its effectiveness. In case of its use, less substance is needed per hundred square meters - one and a half kilograms.

Also, do not forget about the importance of moderate watering of potatoes. If the soil is sufficiently (but not excessively) moist, then the risk of scab will be minimal.

Kurchev Anton Author: Kurchev Anton Deputy Editor-in-Chief