Managed irrigation increases crop yield

    University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published a new bulletin for potato growers on increasing potato yield through properly managed irrigation. Although Maine normally receives ample annual precipitation, summers can be dry, and dry weather can cause drought stress and reduce potato crop yield. “Irrigating Potatoes in Maine” can be downloaded at no charge from www.extension.umaine.edu, or a printed copy can be purchased by calling 207-581-3792.
    Derived from research trials over many seasons at Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle, “Irrigating Potatoes in Maine” was developed by Extension Crops Specialist Peter Sexton, Professor of Agronomy Gregory Porter and Extension Crops Specialist Steven B. Johnson.
    Despite our recent wet weather, “You have to fix your roof when the sun shines, and you have to be prepared to irrigate before drought happens or you’ll lose yield,” said Sexton.
    The publication covers factors affecting soil water availability, seasonal fluctuations in crop water use, how drought stress develops and how it affects yield, disease issues, and monitoring soil moisture, and provides a set of suggestions for irrigation. It explores the many factors that affect the amount of moisture available in the soil and the rate of water use by the potato crop. These include soil texture and structure, the percentage of stones in the soil, the depth of the soil available for root development, crop growth stage, and weather conditions.  
    The potato industry generates $540 million in sales and 6,100 jobs in Maine.