Potato Farming in the United States and South Korea: Status Comparison of Cultivation Patterns and Agricultural Machinery Use

PurposeThis study aims to compare and analyze the status of potato cultivation patterns and agricultural machinery use in the USA and South Korea. These results can be used to enhance the productivity and efficiency of potato cultivation in South Korea by improving the mechanization rate of potato farming.MethodsMultiple studies were conducted to collect data and compare the status of each country. Background information on the research and industry was collected through the literature review. On-site information such as mechanization status, main production areas, cultivation technologies, and efficiency was gathered by interviewing local farmers and visiting agricultural sites in both the USA and South Korea.ResultsIn the USA, the mechanization rate of potato cultivation has reached 100%, leveraging the efficiency of potato production through highly advanced mechanization based on large-scale agricultural systems. In contrast, in South Korea, owing to narrow farmland and geographical characteristics, the mechanization rate is low, and most potato cultivation relies on small agricultural machinery and manual labor.ConclusionsTo enhance the productivity and efficiency of potato farming in South Korea, it is essential to develop small multifunctional agricultural machinery tailored to the country's geographical characteristics. This can be achieved by incorporating advanced agricultural technologies from the USA and standardizing the cultivation methods and machinery operation practices.