Direct-mulch-planting of potatoes

The possibilities of dead and living mulch were checked in three years trials comparing direct-mulch-planting and the traditional cropping system of potatoes. It is the aim to develop herbological methods in the new cropping system and to minimize N-leaching. The pre-forming of ridges after cereal harvest in the late summer and the type of green cover during winter do influence the weed infestation in the potato crop and their yield. Herbological methods have to be determined by the type of intercropping and the actual weed infestation. Efficient and secure weed control can be reached by pre-planting use of a non-selective herbicide to control living mulch and winter weeds and the use of a pre-emergence soil applied herbicide to control annual weeds. Protection against soil erosion is given.