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Although drip irrigation is not yet widely practiced in potato production, its adoption is steadily increasing along with knowledge of its successful application. Netafim is driving this process, which is why the company’s business units worldwide have been actively involved in potato drip irrigation trials for some time.
In order to support potato producers in their drive for increased sustainability it is necessary that all role-players acquire extensive knowledge regarding product application, irrigation, fertigation management, and many other relevant aspects. This includes knowledge regarding the use of machinery for the layout and retrieval of driplines, and recycling solutions for used driplines.
Benefits of drip irrigation
- Manage the root zone optimally to achieve optimal soil, water and oxygen ratios. This has many benefits such as preventing hollow and black heart, internal necrosis, sugar end, blights, tuber cracking, malformation, wilt and other challenges.
- Apply frequent irrigation to potentially decrease the incidence of common scab and charcoal rot in potatoes.
- Apply water and nutrients precisely based on the crop stage and current conditions to achieve optimal yield and quality.
- Regulate soil temperature.
- Prevent fertiliser leaching.
- Achieve uniform germination, tuber development and yield.
- Manage salinity.
- Prevent soil crusting that may hinder tuber sprouting.
- Use odd-shaped plots and other fields not suitable to pivot irrigation optimally.
- Reduce the environmental impact.
- Achieve optimal operation even at low pressure and reduce energy costs.
Transforming potato production
Our team had the privilege of attending the 2024 Potatoes SA Congress and Seed Potato Grower’s Forum. “It was an excellent experience, and I was especially inspired by the high level of research being conducted in the industry,” said Charl van Reenen, agronomy manager at Netafim South Africa. “We were welcomed into discussions and immediately encouraged by the industry’s willingness to engage in conversation. I realised just how dynamic the potato industry is.”
The potato industry has made significant progress in adapting to current conditions and increasing sustainability. However, there is considerable room for improvement regarding the water and energy efficiency of commercial potato production in South Africa. Challenges such as increased heat stress due to erratic climate conditions, greater disease pressure, and water scarcity need to be addressed. Drip irrigation can serve as a bridge to help producers navigate these challenges.
A good investment
While the high initial cost of drip irrigation is a concern, experience and user feedback indicate that the initial investment, though substantial, is quickly offset by long-term savings from reduced water and fertiliser usage, increased yields, and lower disease incidence, making it a profitable investment.
Drip irrigation offers more than just reduced water usage. By prioritising efficiency and precision, it has the potential to transform potato production into a sustainable and profitable enterprise, ensuring that potato producers meet growing demand while advancing sustainability efforts.
We encourage the industry to consult with our experts to learn more about the potential impact that drip irrigation can have on your farm.
For more information, visit www.netafim.co.za or send an email to infoza@netafim.com
