b'ROUNDTABLE How to Spatially Arrange Spuds to Maximize Their Growth PotentialIn our spring production webinar, Dr. Mark Pavek explained how much of a difference in-row spacing, between row spacing, and row direction can make on final crop yield, and how to get those factors right. BY: MADELEINE BAERGDR. MARK PAVEK AS YOU PREPARE to head out into the fields for potato planting this spring, there a potato research agronomist andare a lot of things to consider. What varieties professor withinshould you grow? When is the best time to the Departmentturn on irrigation? What pests and disease of Horticulture at Washington Statewill need to be managed? While those are University. key questions, exactly how you arrange your plants can also have a significant impact on your crops final outcome. In our spring production webinar held March 1, 2024, Spud Smart hosted Dr. Mark Pavek, a potato research agronomistTheres a clear difference in the ratio of and professor within the Departmentsunlight to shade between potatoes plants north-south (left photo) and west-east (right of Horticulture at Washington Statephoto).University. Pavek has conducted significant research into how best to spatially arrange potatoes for optimized growth. As he explains it, the key is to position plants so they optimize tuber size profile, economic return, and collection of solar radiation. By choosing the proper row width, in-row spacing and row orientation, growers can use their planters to optimize whole plant photosynthesis and profit. In-row and Row Spacing As is clearly shown in this comparison, manipulating in-row spacing is very effective The easiest factor to adjust in theat changing the size profile and total number arrangement of potato plants is in-rowof potatoes produced per foot of row. spacing. Manipulating in-row spacing is very effective at changing the size profile andcontrol, row width needs somewhat more total number of potatoes produced per footcomplicated consideration.of row. More spacing between plants meansBack in the early days of potato fewer total spuds but significantly bigger sizeproduction, row width was set by the space per tuber. Note: consistency of emergence isbetween the two horses used to pull planting even more critical than consistency of seedand harvesting equipment (typically spacing. Optimize every planting factor to34-inch to 38-inch). Row width since then ensure the seeds that go into the ground gethas often also tended towards prioritizing up and growing successfully.the horses or equipment design over the While in-row spacing is easier toplants.54SPUDSMART.COMSpring 2024'