Rules for hilling potatoes with a cultivator
In order for potatoes to produce a good harvest, it is necessary to properly care for the crop. So, an important event is the hilling of potatoes with a cultivator.
Rules for hilling potatoes with a cultivator
The procedure is needed to combat weeds, to protect potatoes from direct sunlight, to retain moisture in the soil.
Many have noticed that some of the dug potatoes have a green color - this negatively affects not only the appearance of the vegetable, but also its taste, because a specific bitterness appears. It is classified as unfit for food. Green potatoes are the result of insufficient hilling.
Subtleties of hilling
Until now, many farmers use a hoe for hilling. But such events will require a lot of effort. And if we are talking about a large planting for sale, then it is simply impossible to process all the areas in a timely manner, which will lead to the loss of part of the crop and, accordingly, to the loss of profit.
The modern market offers to use a cultivator for hilling potatoes. The unit is able not only to speed up the process, but also to save strength, to make the procedure more effective.
They huddle, following these rules:
- It is best to sprinkle potatoes after rain. At the time of drought, it is worthwhile to water the area first. In this case, the procedure is best carried out in the early morning or evening hours. Such foresight will allow you to retain more moisture in the soil, which is favorable for the growth of culture;
- At the time of work, it is correct to carry out only directed movements. So, it is important to work with one side of the garden, and then go to the other;
You must go through the cultivator at least 3 times:
- When the shoots reach a height of 10 cm from the ground;
- Half a month after the first procedure;
- When the potatoes reach a height of 25 cm.
Weeds should not be removed from the ground. They are an additional protection for plants and a barrier to moisture evaporation.
Types of cultivators
The cultivator for hilling potatoes can have a single-row and two-row device type.
The first one implies passing through each row. It is recommended for use in small areas. The second - can carry out work from both sides of the garden at once. Thus, speeding up the procedure in half.
At the same time, double-row or double-bladed devices are not always more effective. The indicator often depends on the power. So, the Cayman Eco Max 50s c2 model is distinguished by reliable and long-term operation, and also meets the high requirements for hilling potatoes.
The hilling procedure should be carried out carefully.
However, they do not differ in the way they are processed. The working element is lowered into the soil, lifting the upper layers directly onto the seedlings.
It is worth adding that, working with everyone, you will have to get used to it first, so as not to damage the plant itself.
Disc type
Hilling potatoes with a disc cultivator is highly productive, but requires proper adjustment.
It is important to choose the exact distance between the disc positions.For early potatoes, after planting, it is worth choosing a distance of 40 cm.In the last stages of cultivation, the discs are moved apart to a width of 70 cm.
The correct angle of inclination of the nozzle is calculated experimentally. For efficient operation, it is important that the discs are strictly symmetrical.
How to make a purchase
Hilling potatoes with a cultivator requires the purchase of a high-quality model of the device.
Basically, it is worth focusing on indicators such as the type of engine, as well as weight, width and depth of study. There are many models on the market with different characteristics.
The engine type can be either electric or gasoline. The first are designed to work in small areas. The second is mobile and is often used on large farms.
Also, the cultivator can be roughly divided into three categories: light, medium and heavy.
Lightweight is designed for small areas, even an inexperienced gardener can handle the control of the unit.
Cultivators from the middle category weigh more than 40 kg. They are designed for small farming areas.
Heavy equipment weighs over 60 kg. Only an experienced farmer can handle the job. At the same time, the unit is capable of breaking large layers of land, which allows it to work effectively on poorly cultivated land.
Conclusion
The cultivator is an important unit in the economy of both gardeners and farmers. He is able to quickly, efficiently and effortlessly carry out the hilling of potatoes at different stages of maturity. Regular activities will increase and preserve the harvest.