Investigation on the efficiency of using technical means for mulching potato soils

Abstract

A technology of preparation of self-compacting loam soils for potato that applies active working parts and complex aggregates and enables formation of higher furrows under potato crop is investigated herein. In experimental technologies, a rotor cultivator-mulcher with a horizontal rotor and a technological tracking device were used. The efficiency of such technologies may be improved by mulching the soil. It was strived to clear up the positive impact of the new agricultural technique on the quality & energetic indicators of the soil and the potato yield. It was found that it results reduction of the crop weediness and formation of more favourable conditions for growing of potato shrubs. Thus the conditions for operation of harvesters are improved and the yield of a potato shrub is increased. Rotor and chisel working parts are effective in soil preparation for potato planting in spring, because they ensure favorable conditions for potato growing and digging that enable growing higher yields in self-compacting loam soils mulched by oleiferous radish upon lower woodiness. Mulched loam soil is more sensitive to compression. It is impacted by glutinous disintegrated organic matter that binds the soil. Mulching mostly impacts the lumpiness and the soil crumbling indicator, because incompletely disintegrated vegetal remnants affect lump formation in light loam soils. So, in environmentally-friendly potato cultivation according to an experimental technology, every measure to minimize driving on the technological tracks should be taken. In such a way, the environmental pollution by exhaust of internal combustion engines was reduced as well.