Growing Potato Profitably for Organic Dry Matter Production in Western Nebraska

Abstract

Growing potato conventionally for dehydration is not economically feasible. The key cost would be seed under organic farming. The objective is to identify seed-piece sizes and spacings producing a profitable return for potato dehydration in western Nebraska. Atlantic potatoes were grown under dryland conditions using organic practices. Rain was 205, 270, and 360 mm in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Seed-pieces were hand-cut into five weights from 42.5 to 85.0 g and planted in five spacings from 15.2 to 45.7 cm. Seeding rates were 1.02 to 6.1 Mg/ha. Yield was highest at the spacing of 15.2 cm (16.1 Mg/ha) and decreased to 12.4 Mg/ha when seed-pieces were planted at 38.1 and 45.7 cm apart. Seed-piece size had little effect except that yield was lowest with 42.5 g pieces at 13.2 Mg/ha and increased to 14.2 Mg/ha with 63.8 g and larger. Specific gravity decreased slightly when pieces were spaced 30.5 cm (1.092) compared to 15.2 cm (1.094). Seed size had no effect. The size and spacing combinations with the highest yield were not found to be economical due to higher seed cost. Planting seed-pieces weighing 56.7 g, and planted 38.1 and 45.7 cm apart in 91 cm rows were economically feasible for dry matter production. The net returns, taking into account seed cost, transportation, and operations, for this combination was $326/ha, greater than for dryland winter wheat and millet. This study showed that western Nebraska would be a good location to grow dryland potatoes for organic dry matter production.