Potato rootstock is the technique in which soil is collected around the potato shoots. The season depends on the temperature, soil moisture and height of the plant, but the method of weed control must also be taken into account. It is work that begins when the plants reach a height of 20-30 cm. In the field the embankment is made by mechanical means. In the vegetable garden, however, where the plants are fewer in number, it can be done manually using a shovel. The best way is to make the embankment by adding soil and compost or well-drained manure. This process is done after the plants have been well watered. The height of the embankment created depends on the type of soil. So in heavy soils it is about 12-15 cm and in light soils 20 cm. The embankment is mandatory, especially when the planting depth is small (5-15 cm), where in these cases more soil must be sought (higher embankments).
In the embankment the soil can be added all with one application, or gradually in two doses. The first occurs when the plants reach a height of about 20 cm and the second at 30 cm.
Advantages of embankment
- protection from high temperatures
- limiting the greening of the tubers
- better soil aeration after breaking the surface crust
- helps destroy weeds
- increase production
