Potato Growth and Yield Characteristics under Different Cropping System Management Strategies in Northeastern U.S.

Cropping systems and management practices that improve soil health may greatly enhance crop productivity. Four different potato cropping designed to address specific goals of conservation (SC), improvement (SI), disease suppression (DS), a status quo (SQ) standard rotation, along with non-rotation (PP) control, were evaluated for their effects on growth, nutrient, yield characteristics under both irrigated non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions in field trials Maine, USA, from 2004 2010. Both system irrigation significantly (p < 0.05) affected most parameters associated growth yield. All rotations increased tuber relative the PP SI system, which included yearly compost amendments, resulted overall higher yields percentage large-size tubers than all other no (increases 14 90%). DS, contained disease-suppressive green manures cover crops, produced highest 11 35%). Irrigation except (average increase 27–37%). also significant increases leaf area duration chlorophyll content (as indicators photosynthetic potential) root shoot biomass systems, particularly conditions. tissue concentrations N, P, K, but not micronutrients. Overall, incorporate such as rotation length use manures, reduced tillage, particularly, organic can substantially normal SI, its large was essentially substitute irrigation, producing comparable results without irrigation.