How are the potato fields doing?

The potato growers who participate with their plots in the Boerenbusiness Crop tour are satisfied with the growing season so far. Now that there is regular precipitation, they do not need to irrigate as often. Predicting the eventual yield remains difficult, according to them.

To give an impression of the current state of the crop, we compare the current growth of the potatoes with that of the 2019 harvest.

Fewer than last year
In Middenmeer (North Holland) there are fewer than last year, says the grower. "It remains to be seen what will become of it, I have to get them healthy in August to get enough kilos". The precipitation of the past few weeks has been good for all crops. It came fairly evenly and consistently, allowing it to be absorbed directly into the ground. "The crop is in better shape than last year," says the grower.

Difference in heavy and light pieces
In Fijnaart (North Brabant) the differences with 2019 are clearly visible. On the heavy part, the potatoes are still in full bloom, while the light part of the plot has already finished flowering. This can also be clearly seen in the under the plants in the back. The potatoes are already further along in the lighter parts than in the heavier parts of the plot. It is therefore very difficult to compare with last year.

Judging by the photos, there is less number on the lighter spots and more on the heavier ground. The number seems comparable to the heavier spots on the plot as in 2019. There is slightly less number on the lighter part than last year. "The lighter plots started earlier, so the potatoes probably didn't have enough access to moisture during tuber set. The heavier spots started when enough moisture was available. This growth has continued, so there are more numbers there as well." the grower from Fijnaart suspects.

Less rained than last year
In Cuijk (North Brabant) they are irrigating 25 mm today (Wednesday). "This year we irrigated less than last year, when we were in the field with the reel almost every week," says the grower. The grower indicates that there are slightly fewer potatoes under the plant than last year. "This is due to the cold start this year, so there are slightly fewer numbers". The grower does not want to say anything about the harvest forecast this year. "In August they will make kilos. I can now spray foliar fertilizer liquids, that was not possible last year." Last year the yield was around 60 tons per hectare.

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