Assessing the Impact of Different Irrigation Levels on Starch Potato Production

In the view of increasing water demands in agriculture, efficient water use is a key factor in potato production. The aim of this study was to compare two deficit (80% and 90%) and one abundant (120%) gun sprinkler irrigation levels with the longtime used irrigation level of a farmer (100%). Irrigation was supplied during the 2021 growing season on a loamy sand site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. Yield and tuber quality of the high-amylopectin potato (HAPP) variety Waxy/Henriette were assessed in a three-grade tuber size distribution. Five economic indicators were used to assess the suitability of the investigated irrigation levels to secure economic responses. Yield and starch yield did not significantly differ between the 90% (561.1 dt ha(-1) and 102.0 dt ha(-1)) and the 100% irrigation levels (559.1 dt ha(-1) and 102.3 dt ha(-1)), with total production increasing by 2.0 dt ha(-1) and starch production decreasing by 0.4 dt ha(-1) at the 90% irrigation level. Tuber lesions decreased the economic responses at all irrigation levels. Potentially, 87,469 m(3) of irrigation water (125.8 m(3) ha(-1)) could have been saved on the loamy sand starch potato sites of the local farm (695.3 ha) in 2021.

Automated summary

Efficient water use is crucial for potato production. This study found that reducing irrigation levels to 90% did not affect yield and starch production, while significant water savings could be achieved.