Fishy Soil: Productive soils resulting in high yields and quality

摘要

POTATO PRODUCTION HAS ADOPTED many new practices to improve yield and quality. In the 1970s, foliar feeding was introduced, allowing in-season adjustments for plant nutrient needs with the use of tissue testing. Revised fertilizer guides, split application of fertilizer, variable-rate fertilization and fertilizer placement have made efficiency increase. Soil conditioning began with the Native Americans using fish to fertilize and improve the soil environment for crop growth. The Pilgrims were introduced to this practice, which assisted in the settlement of America. In the 1980s, humic acid was introduced as a means to improve the soil environment. Many soils have problems with alkalinity, compaction, low organic matter, crusting and poor water infiltration. Mir Seyedbagheri, University of Idaho Extension Educator, was a U.S. pioneer in humic acid research. In 1990, he reported average potato yield increases at three locations of 32-cwt-per-acre with the use of two gallons of humic acid.