While recent rain should help boost protective soil intake by harvesters, the risk of potato bruising remains high, potato agronomists and machinery makers are warning.
John Sarup, of Yorks-based Spud Agronomy says: “Although there are many high dry matter crops this year, I’ve not seen too much bruising yet, but colder nights are lowering soil temperatures, which can have a physiological tenderising effect on tubers.
The wet weather earlier in the year has also caused some soils to slump, which may create problems with separation at harvest.”
John Sarup, of Yorks-based Spud Agronomy says: “Although there are many high dry matter crops this year, I’ve not seen too much bruising yet, but colder nights are lowering soil temperatures, which can have a physiological tenderising effect on tubers.
The wet weather earlier in the year has also caused some soils to slump, which may create problems with separation at harvest.”