Effects of Tractor Traffic and Soil Moisture Tension on Yield of Norgold Russet 'M' Potatoes

Abstract

The effects of tractor traffic aod soil moisture tension on yield and specific gravity of Norgold Russet 'M' potato tubers were investigated. The impact of tractor traffic on the soil physical condition was evaluated by soil bulk density and penetrometer resistance; soil moisture was measured gravimetrically. Penetrometer resistance was significantly (P > 0.05) greater across beds in the 20 and 50 cb treatments of normal traffic rows in Year 1; in Year 2, penetrometer resistance was significantly greater only in the 50 cb treatment. Bulk density and gravimetric water content were not altered by tractor traffic. Total and marketable tuber (U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2) yields were highest in nontraffic and 20 cb treatments both years. Significant differences in tuber specific gravity were observed at 50 cb Year 2.