In the second half of April, potato planting really picked up steam under ideal conditions. Planting may still be a bit behind the multi-year average, but crops are now going into the ground smoothly. Due to the weather conditions, most can still be planted this month.
Aviko Potato figured that two weeks ago about 15% was in the ground in the Netherlands. It has not yet announced new figures, but a tour of the country shows that at least 40% to 50% has now been planted. Arable farmers throughout the country have made a big success after most of the onions and sugar beets have been sown. The southwest and southeast are ahead of the center and north. A start was made before the rainy period in April and growers were able to enter the land earlier. The potatoes planted early in March are upstairs.
Structure varies
This means that the planting season is approximately the same or slightly ahead of a year ago. This also applies to other countries in Europe. Despite an almost frost-free winter, arable farmers on the clay soil in Flevoland, among others, do not complain about the structure. Some night frost has clearly contributed to the quality of the soil, even if only minimally. The surface still usually remains quite wet. It froze noticeably less in the southwestern clay areas. The heavier plots in particular are not always easy to cultivate.
In South Holland - especially the islands - 80% to 90% have been planted and quite a few growers are already ready. The work is less extensive in Zeeland and West Brabant. The potatoes for consumption in the Flevopolder are going into the ground smoothly and the planting of seed potatoes has also started well. This also applies to the northern arable area where the planting machines were in full operation last week. Those who still had to deliver batches started this week. The stable, dry weather ensures little stress.
Sandy soil planted smoothly
On the sandy soils in the (north)east, work traditionally starts somewhat more slowly. This also applies to South Limburg, where the planting machines started last week. On lighter soils the planting is noticeably further. A large part is already in the ground in East Brabant and North Limburg. The participants of the Crop tour Potatoes are also being planted.
In Germany, arable farmers are also quick with their feet. The work is slightly ahead of the previous season. In the United Kingdom, a lot of planting has been done early on and the work is now somewhat at a standstill. Belgium and France started a little slower, but are quickly catching up.
Dry or too dry
De weather conditions will remain dry for the next two weeks. There was no significant rainfall on Monday. This is beneficial for completing the planting work at a rapid pace, but growers are concerned that drought will slow down crop development. It does remain chilly, which, in combination with the drought, can hinder the initial development of the crop.
Seed potatoes were widely available throughout the spring. Positive for those who have waited a long time before purchasing seed potatoes. Now there are different voices in the market, especially in Belgium. Insiders report that the seed potatoes are relatively coarse and therefore run out sooner. Given the number of late orders, there may also be growers who plant an extra plot. Reports that potato cultivation in the EU-4 is declining significantly have now turned into a small decline at most.
More potatoes in Flanders
In Flanders, the Potato Cultivation Test Center (PCA) expects an expansion of 2% in potato area. Precisely here, a significant decline was expected due to less availability of land and increased sowing of grains and grain maize. Arable farmers have mainly planted more early potatoes, according to surveys among 127 growers.