How to cut potatoes for planting and how to plant them?

The article presents material on the effective cultivation of potatoes, divided into wedges. The features of this method are revealed, the technologies for harvesting slices, storage conditions, processing methods are described, the nuances of planting and fertilization are given.

The method of planting seed potatoes with the division of tubers into parts is very popular both in Russia and abroad. This method has its pros and cons. The need for the procedure is due to the possibility of saving planting material when placed on large areas. The division of tubers is also acceptable for elite varieties of potatoes, which are of high value and whose properties need to be tested. In addition to these reasons, cutting into pieces is useful, since it does not allow the bush to grow too densely and shade the shoots - insufficient illumination contributes to the appearance of fungi (for example, late blight).

The use of separated tubers as planting material gives an unequal result depending on the varietal characteristics. So, some varieties will bring a large number of vegetables, others will provide the owner with a decent harvest, others will produce an effect similar to a normal planting, and for the fourth, the method of division is unimportant.

The best yield is guaranteed by the following varieties: "Solnechny", "Krinitsa", "Lileya Belorusskaya", "Zador", "Russian souvenir". Longitudinal divisions can produce a higher number of tubers than planting untouched material. When cut across, the yield remains the same as when planting whole root crops.

The second group includes such varieties as "Platinum", "Asterix", "Yugana", "Karlena", "Bellarosa", "Innovator", "Antonina", "Saturna", "Zhivitsa". Most of their tubers are elongated.

The cutting method does not play a role in the cultivation of the following varieties: "Mozart", "Valor", "Red Star", "Jelly", "Courage", "Daryonka", "Zhuravinka", "Yenisei", "Jarla", "Sappho", "Ideal", "Baritone", " In memory of Rogachev "," Fable "," Rozara "," Lugovskoy "," Kollet ".

The same yield when sowing tubers as a whole and in slices was observed in the following varieties: "Nevsky", "Panda", "Symphony", "Berlichingen", "Romano", "Borodyansky pink".

You can cook chopped potatoes for seeds from late autumn to spring planting. After the procedure, time should be given for the formation of the wound peridermis - a protective tissue. If many days have passed, the cut surface will be denser. When cutting tubers in spring, the protective film will be thinner.

Before dividing root crops, they should be warmed to a temperature of + 15-20 degrees. For the healing of sections, the most favorable temperature is + 25-30 degrees. In the spring, cut potatoes need to be dried for at least two to three days.

The main methods for dividing tubers are longitudinal and transverse. In most cases, experts recommend cutting lengthwise, dividing the root crop in half. However, it all depends on the varietal characteristics, in accordance with which the method is chosen. Abroad, special machines are produced for dividing fruits into several parts. It is desirable that there is a main kidney at the top of each lobule, and lateral ones below. Planting material should be prepared in advance, observing certain rules. The largest and healthiest roots should be selected.

It is required to store potatoes in a disinfected room with clean shelves and boxes. For this purpose, you can use a five percent solution of copper sulfate. Processing them is relatively safe for humans and well destroys fungi and microorganisms. Before cutting each tuber, the knife should be dipped in a solution of potassium permanganate and wiped or burned over a flame. This is necessary so that microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, do not get inside the root crop.

For accelerated healing of sections, ash is used, in which they are dipped. It is an excellent sorbent and perfectly dries the pulp in the separation area. But for even better disinfection, you can treat the potatoes with a solution of the selected fungicide (for example, "Prestige"). Only after all these manipulations can you start planting.

For germination, potatoes should be set aside for 1–1.5 months. During this time, the eyes on the tubers will gain strength and harden. The germination rate of planting material depends on the temperature in the room. The higher the indicators, the higher the rate of kidney activation. Potato sprouts should be relatively large. Their length should be approximately 1-1.5 cm, but it all depends on the situation. If the buds begin to develop rapidly in a dark room, then the tubers should be placed in the light. To increase yields, it is best to germinate the sprouts in the dark.

After the previously done procedures for material preparation, processing, drying, storage, there is also a crucial stage - planting. Prepared tubers should be planted in open ground - with sprouted eyes. According to experts, there is not much difference in the direction of the shoots when planting.

The soil temperature should rise to at least 5 degrees. Potatoes, when sprouting in soil, do not like significant temperature jumps. It grows better in loamy soils with a granular-lumpy structure, also in chernozems, peat soils.

Moderate soil acidity with a pH of 5.1–6.0 is acceptable for the culture. In this regard, it is important to determine this indicator and, based on the result, take measures to regulate it. There are several methods for establishing the pH level.

1. Thanks to certain plants growing on soils with a certain level of acidity. In an acidic environment, herbs such as horsetail, field mint, plantain, Ivan da Marya appear. For neutral land, cornflower, brisk garden, nettle, quinoa, field radish, red clover, coltsfoot are characteristic. Alkaline soil is detected by toadflax, wild poppy, field violet, alfalfa, and field mustard.
2. With the help of a litmus test. By its color, it will be possible to determine the level of acidity. Pink indicates a slightly acidic environment, red indicates acidic, blue or green indicates alkaline.
3. Exposure to vinegar and soda. Vinegar is dripped onto a wet soil placed on a glass surface, and then soda is poured. With increased acidity, the earth does not react with vinegar, and with the action of soda, it foams and hisses. Alkaline soil foams upon contact with vinegar, does not react to soda. If the environment is neutral, then there will be no manifestations of the effect of the components.

First, the soil is fertilized, loosened, weeds are weeded. The cut halves are planted in the ground to a depth of 6–8 cm. This is somewhat less compared to planting whole root crops. In case of incomplete healing of the cut, the depth of the pits is increased to 10 cm.The distance between the holes when planting the cut material remains similar to planting whole root crops.

For best results, certain organic and mineral fertilizers should be applied. First of all, manure, humus, compost, urea, ammonium nitrate and others will significantly increase the yield. The component necessary for the plant - potassium - is better absorbed in the sulfate form. It can be very productively used in combination with phosphorus fertilizers: superphosphate, nitrophosphate. Potatoes love a hot, light, sunlit place.

Growing seed potatoes is a difficult, demanding job that requires care. A full-fledged harvest requires an integrated approach. It is important to choose the right varieties, cut the tubers, process them in special solutions and substances, prepare the place and soil, carry out the correct planting and ensure proper plant care.