Potato Harvest: Tips for Quality and Storage
By the end of August, things are getting busy in the fields: while the last early potatoes are being lifted, in some regions the first late potatoes are already being harvested. Early potatoes should be removed from the field quickly to avoid quality losses. For late potatoes, it is crucial that the skin is fully matured before harvest begins.
Harvesters must now be adjusted to handle the tubers gently while still ensuring a clean lift. On fields that will remain for another one to two weeks, it’s worth checking nutrient supply – especially potassium and magnesium, which are key for skin firmness and storability at this stage.
Key harvest tips:
- Harvest early potatoes promptly; lift late potatoes only once the skin is firm.
- Adjust harvester depth just below the tubers; keep drop heights as low as possible.
- Match driving speed to soil conditions and variety sensitivity.
- Avoid harvesting in wet soils (risk of dirt and compaction); in dry conditions, work especially gently.
- For late varieties, check nutrient status now – targeted potassium and magnesium applications can strengthen skin quality.
- Carry out a trial harvest before starting to fine-tune machine settings.