Regarding the increased surface runoff from production areas, wide-row crops grown on slopes are considered risk crops. By reducing the surface runoff, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects on both the soil and the plants and positively influence the subsequent production, e.g., after application of de-stoning before planting. During this research, the tied ridging method was applied during planting by a two-row planter in both central and tractor trail furrows in potato rows and on the slope of 8.8% compared to a control plot without this treatment. Rainfall and surface water runoff were monitored, and the crop yields were compared. During three monitored years, up to 86% of the runoff water in the central furrows was saved compared to the control, whereas it was up to 72% in the wider furrows for tractor travel. The total yield was increased on the treated area, however, the increase could not be statistically proven.

The potatoes quality is an important factor influencing their success on a broad and in view of quality, very fastidious market. For these reasons, the current research in this sector is aimed at detecting the tubers mechanical injury sources during the harvest period and after-harvest treatment, as well as the mechanisation impact. To find outer and inner potato (and other crops) tubers quality, various simulation and evaluation methods (e.g. artificial electronic potato or loading sensors placed in the potato tuber) were developed abroad and in our country developed. To compare the varieties resistance against loading, we have utilised for our measurements the computer program KABI developed at ATB Potsdam-Bornim in Germany (Wormanns 1996). For the simulation of mechanical loading conditions, the RIAE Prague has developed a device providing the simulation of the motion and impact stress of the potato tubers measured (Figure 1) with parameters similar to the system utilised at ATB Bornim (Schwarz 2001). Further, device for the picture scanning of sample cuttings and their digitalisation was manufactured ( Figure 2). The samples were evaluated according to the computer program KABI developed for the picture analysis of potato . The intensity and degree of mechanical loading were scanned and registered by the artificial potato PMS-60 ( Figure 3). In this contribution are presented the results of flesh darkening (greying, blackening) and colour changes evaluation in the cuttings of four different potato variants (injured or intact at various impact frequency and intensity). Types of potato tubers mechanical injuriesPotato tubers are particularly sensitive to mechanical injury because of their high water content of up to 75%. Tubers mechanical injuries (%) are expressed by the proportions of injured and intact pieces during the harvest and after-harvest treatments (Fér 2003). The injury occurs in the peel, coating layer, and flesh. This is caused by the tubers mechanical loading during their harvest and after-harvest treatments and processing. The tubers injuries are visible or hardly recognisable under the peel.The tuber injuries can be considered as outer and inner. Potato tubers outer injuriesThis type of injury is represented by more or less intensive damage in the coating layer and flesh. Abstract: The contribution presents a method for the determination of the potato tubers resistance against mechanical loading, the measurement results obtained with the selected potato varieties, and the comparison of the latter. For testing the potato varieties samples, the method developed in Agrartechnik (ATB) Bornim (Germany) was verified and utilised. The potato samples were exposed to vertical vibrations with adjustable amplitude in the device constructed at the Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, (RIAE) Prague, for testing tuber samples for mechanical loading. The potato samples cutting pictures were scanned by a web camera or a scanner, and the colour changes on the cuttings were evaluated by means of a co...

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Water and nitrogen (N) are key factors in potato production management (Li et al. 2016). Potato is a shallow-rooted crop that responds negatively to variations in water supply (Shock et al. 2007). In recent years, the traditional potato production region in the Czech Republic has also suffered from a lack of soil moisture. Determining the optimal water and/or fertiliser rate affects the benefit of artificial irrigation. Drip irrigation is used for maximum water savings. Water is directly supplied to every plant in the amount the plant needs. Under the conditions of the potato production region, the water rate at the level of 65 ASWC (available soil water capacity) seems to be optimal. The importance and quality of qualified irrigation management have become an important condition for potato growth in the Czech Republic (Slavík 2010). Sanford ( 2006) stated that with an irrigation regime, energy consumption could be reduced per yield unit, depending on the crop. To date, with small exceptions, potatoes have been grown without the use of irrigation in the potato production region. Zavadil et al. (2006) state that potatoes suffer from water stress in periods with soil moisture deficits and are highly sensitive to stress. Due to high demands for water, potatoes are ranked among crops with a positive response to irrigation. Li et al.

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