Planting potatoes is done when the soil temperature in the ten-inch soil layer reaches 7-8 ° C. For the different regions of the country optimal planting is in the period 20 March – 20 April (depending on the weather conditions and the temperature of the soil). In regions where very early potatoes are grown, they can be planted under favorable conditions in February, especially if greenhouses and polythene cover are used. However, the risk of colds and frosts must be taken into account.
Any overdue or delayed planting adversely affects the development of potatoes. At a temperature lower than 6 ° C the rooting and development of the sprouts slows down, the germination of the plants is prolonged and the crops often remain poorly garnished.
For NORIКA varieties the most suitable planting distances are 75 cm between the rows and 28 – 32 cm inside the row. With this density of planting, it is normally done to hone and potatoes without damaging the root system and the canisters. It provides 4000-5000 nests per decare. At the set ranges, the norm of seeds per hectare is about 250 kg. The depth of planting is 15-18 cm, depending on the mechanical composition of the soil, the planting period and the possible risk of frostbite.
Potato seeds are planted with potato-planting machines that can plant two or four rows at the same time. Modern machines have the ability to regulate intra-line spacing within wide limits. If seedlings are planted, special seed machines are used to prevent the integrity of the germination.
A four-row drilling planting machine can plant between 70-100 decares. per day, and those for pre-sprouted potatoes can plant between 40-45 decares.
