Potato Production and Deficit Irrigation

Potato response to water stress and changes in soil available-N levels in relation to irrigation management were evaluated in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Potatoes were grown on silt loam with sprinkler irrigation in an adequately irrigated check (100% of crop evapotranspiration replaced at –60 kPa) and three deficit irrigation regimes. Water stress treatments were achieved by partial or complete replacement of crop evapotranspiration when soil water potential reached –80 kPa. In 1992 and 1994, relatively warm years, tuber yield and grade were significantly reduced by water stress. In 1993, a relatively cool year, yield was reduced by water stress, but grade was not. Each year, soil available-N accounting for the season showed large surpluses for all treatments. Potato cultivars grown as subplots varied in their response to deficit irrigation.