Potato Soil Health Project
In 2018, funds from the specialty crop research initiative (SCRI) were granted to researchers from ten states to identify soil factors that promote soil health in potato production. The proposal for the project was broken down into four main objectives with two being research focuses. The first two objectives, which are the research objectives focusing on soil health will be the main focus of this page. Objective one is a controlled study occurring at the Oregon State University Hermiston Research Station. This study aims to identify management practices that promote soil health in potato production within a 2-year potato rotation and a 3-year potato rotation. Objective two is a grid sampling survey in growers fields to determine what soil parameters can indicate soil health and how those parameter vary in a field.
Objective 1
In 2019 a research project was established at the OSU Hermiston Research Station. The project was arranged in a randomized complete block design and divided between a two year rotation that consists of wheat and potatoes and a three year rotation consisting of potatoes, corn, and wheat (Fig. 1). In the two year rotation wheat had been established. In the three year rotation potatoes were planted. The treatments of traditional fumigation had been applied prior to planting potatoes in the spring of 2019. Soil sampling occurred pre-planting and again 60 days post planting in the 3-year rotation. A post-harvest fall soil sampling occurred in the 2-year rotation. After harvest additional treatments were applied that included establishing and incorporating a mustard biofumigation and application of dairy compost.
In 2020 spring soil sampling has been conducted and potatoes have been established in the 2-year rotation. Silage corn will be planted in the 3-year rotation. Summer sampling for the 2 year rotation will occur in early to mid June.
Objective 2
