Potato
Irrigation practices for potato, a tuber crop.
Season water
400-600 mm
Soil moisture target
65–80%
Recommended irrigation schedule
Adjust slightly based on soil type, local climate, and field observations.
Planting
Immediate irrigation after planting
Establishment
Every 3-4 days
Vegetative Growth
Every 4-6 days
Tuber Initiation
Every 3-5 days
Tuber Development
Every 3-5 days
Maturity
Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest
Best practices in the field
- Use drip irrigation for water efficiency and to avoid wetting foliage
- Maintain consistent moisture during tuber initiation and development
- Critical irrigation during tuber formation for good yield
- Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest for proper skin set
- Water in early morning
- Monitor soil moisture at 30-40 cm depth
- Avoid water stress during tuber development
- Ensure good drainage to prevent tuber rot
Common mistakes to avoid
- Water stress during tuber development causing small tubers
- Over-irrigation leading to tuber rot and diseases
- Irrigation too close to harvest affecting skin quality
- Irregular watering causing misshapen tubers
- Poor drainage causing root and tuber problems
- Wetting foliage causing late blight disease