The effects of living mulches on tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The adverse effects of long term soil erosion on potato production are well established. Living mulches may help reduce erosion rates while improving soil structure. The objectives of this experiment were to study the competition between living mulches and the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and its effect on productivity. In 1997, potatoes were grown with conventional and organic management. Four of the organic treatments were intercropped with a living mulch of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.). Marino red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), or part of the native sod was left intact. In 1998, two additional raised-bed treatments were added and the native sod treatment was eliminated. The treatments were applied to two potato varieties (Russet Burbank and Island Sunshine) in a split-plot experimental design. In 1997 and 1998 Russet Burbank and Island Sunshine tuber yields were not significantly different when managed organically or conventionally. Living mulches did not significantly affect potato plant development or tuber yields in any of the organic treatments except where the native sod was left intact and the tubers were planted ender a layer of straw or hay. Soil moisture levels remained consistently lower in conventionally managed plots than in organically managed plots with living mulches in 1997 and 1998. In both years, Russet Burbank had significantly higher yields than Island Sunshine.