Document Type
Circular
Type
text
Format
application/pdf
Publication Date
2-1953
Publisher
Agricultural Extension Service, South Dakota State College
Circular No.
491
Pages
12
Description
Potatoes, a low cost energy food, were first mentioned in the chronicles of the Spanish conquerors of Peru around the year 1586. These Spanish sailors took the tubers to Spain and gradually they were . grown all over Europe. They were not popular at first, but by the 18th century became a staple part of European diet. Now, potatoes are one of the most important food crops of Europe, and they are grown in nearly every country in the world. In former years, potatoes were grown on most farms in South Dakota and by many small growers, but in the past 10 years the acreage has gradually shifted to the larger growers in the northeastern part of the state. This area has an ideal soil for the growing of potatoes, a Sinai-Kranzburg- Barnes type sandy loam. Sinai soils are silty clay loams, Kranzburg are soils of silt loam wind-blown deposits, and Barnes soils are loams over limy clay loam glacial till. The high altitude causes cool nights which are good for potato production, and the rainfall is sufficient in most years. Potatoes should have one to two inches of moisture per-week during the growing season for the best yields.
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Noonan, John, "Potatoes" (1953). SDSU Extension Circulars. 569.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/extension_circ/569