b"It was discovered all varieties performed well at 32-inch row widths with yields and grower return increasing. At 30 inches results were similar but yields and economic return didnt increase as much. At 28 inches some varieties such as Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Norkotah didnt do well. Pavek suspects this was partially due to lack of water, because when plant popula-tion per acre is increased, a higher volume of water is required. What we see is tuber size profile really didn't change as we planted closer together. Plants are adjusting tuber number per plant. And what we saw is actually at 32 inches a little more of a bump in size profile for greater than six-ounce yield. But the greater than 16-ounce tuber yield really didn't change much at 28 inches, he explains.Paveks study found potatoes planted in tighter row widths didnt always see a reduction in the yield per plant. If potatoes are planted at a closer row widths, there will be more plants per acre which will cause a higher yield per acre, if individual plant yield stays the same. Pavek believes based on the study results that reducing row widths in Washington is feasible, however it still wont work for everyone, especially dryland growers who are unable to provide irrigation to densely planted potatoes. Mark Pavek, When considering row width changes, you need to consider equipmentprofessor in the needs on other crops. Your tractor width and tire width may be affecteddepartment of possibly, and you may have to change things. One size does not fit all, rowhorticulture at width and spatial configurations vary by growing region and market, and mayWashington State University.be dependent on the variety you're growing, he says. SPRING 2021 SPUDSMART.COM 23"