Agro-Climatic Studies on the Direction of Rows in the Potato Fields

Abstract

In 1953 and 1954, the experiments were made to make clear the micro-climate in the potato field, and the growth and yield of potato under the different directions of rows, namely, S to N, E to W.Varieties of Potatoes used: Danshaku (Irish Cobber) and Norin No. 1 (in 1953), Danshaku and Sanen (Vermont Gold Coin) (in 1954). The results obtained were as follows:1) In the early stage of growth, the soil temperature of E to W rows was lower than that of S to N. On the contrary, in the later stage, the soil temperature of E to W rows was higher than that of S to N rows.2) In the later stage, the vertical distribution of air temperature in E to W rows was higher than that of S to N rows. It seemed that the differences of air temperature were related to the wind direction in the potato fields.3) On the mature stage, the tubers weight of above 120g were produced more in S to N rows.