Irrigation System

 

Results from a field lab investigating if it's possible to irrigate with saline water. 

Potato growers in fenland areas like Holbeach Marsh lose considerable economic yield due to common potato scab. In other areas this disease is controlled largely by targeted irrigation for 4-6 weeks after the tubers start to grow. If growers could use slightly more brackish water for irrigation, it would reduce their reliance on freshwater.

Overall it was found that higher levels of salinity did not impair potato yield or grade. 

Find out more about the details of these finds by watching the below video. 

 

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Innovative Farmers was established in 2012 by the Soil Association with the aim of bringing scientific rigour to on-farm trials co-designed by farmers and researchers. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, groups come together on discrete topics and on-farm trials addressing the topics that matter to them.

We deliver transformational projects to drive productivity and boost farming and supply chain businesses. We want the industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to produce high quality food, maintain our beautiful landscape and leave a legacy for generations to come. 

Share information, knowledge, resources and experience on how we can improve crop perfomance (yield, quality and profitability) whilst reducing reliance on input, reducing impacts and improving environmental performance.

Potatoes are an important UK crop grown over 140,000 ha producing 5.5 Million tonnes