b'the yields in both were statistically very similar,that statistically, potatoes from the two sides of Bisht says in a phone interview. Even though thethe field were not very different.traditional yielded a bit more numerically, it wasWe did not see any differences notably, statistically not superior to the direct tillage. and there are no differences in size profile, no Over the course of the growing season, BishtWe did not see anydifference in gravity as well and no differences and Simplot monitored the field, testing soildifferences notably, between hollow heart and sun-burn as well, compaction between the two sides of it andGraham says.measuring hill dimensions. Sensors in the hillsand there are noBy using direct seeding and minimal tillage, also recorded soil temperature and soil probesdifferences in sizeBerry found soil erosion was reduced in the field, monitored moisture levels. he also saved money on fuel and workload by hav-At harvest, Bisht and Scott Graham, agronomyprofile, no difference ining to do less passes in the field. He is planning raw development manager with J.R. Simplot Com- gravity as well to expand the trial next year and do two half fields pany, placed a five-foot tarp on poles in the field.and no differencesinstead of one. Bisht and Graham plan to continue When the windrower passed under harvesting sixstudying his work.rows, they then collected the potatoes from withinbetween hollow heartDirect potato planting into a crop stubble may the five-foot area. They did this in four spots onand sun-burn as well.have a niche, this is what I can understand from both the conventional and minimal tillage sidesjust one year of field study. We hope to repeat this of the field.SCOTT GRAHAM next year as well and have more data points of Graham did a quality assessment on potatoesmore variables or parameters to study and see if from the field, where he evaluated size grading,we can round up this study, so it makes actionable gravity and a few other things. Bisht conductedideas for different growers, Bisht says. a potato tuber disease assessment. It was found Fresh BoxWith the Fresh Box you can - even at high ambient temperatures - refresh the air in your storage to the correct CO2 value, with minimal cooling or ventilation. The result: a constant storage temperature with a controlled CO2 level and therefore better frying colorquality.www.tolsmausa.com42 SPUDSMART.COM WINTER 2021'