Apply 20 tons of organic manure per ha while ploughing;
The manure is applied in rows or planting holes;
Add 300 kg of NPK 17.17.17 per ha in the seed holes while planting, or 150 kg while planting and the remaining 150 kgs are applied while weeding;
On acid soils ( Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru and other acidic soil regions), apply 2,5 to 5 tons of lime. This lime has residual effects for four farming seasons.
Weeding
Weeding is done after two to three weeks after the seedlings have come out and averagely reached 10 cm of height.
Weeding helps potatoes to evenly share minerals, water and light as it removes all weeds which would compete with potatoes.
N.B: While weeding, the farmer makes efforts to do it carefully so that he/she does not wound tender roots of potatoes.
Ridging
Ridging s done when potatoes have reached 20 cm of height. The farmer brings the soil closer to the plant but does not cover the potato plants;
Ridging helps potatoes to grow well, to keep its color and to resist to late blight disease.
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