11/01/05 Research on potato crop rotations

University of Idaho's Bryan Hopkins has completed a four year Tri-State study on best management practices by potato growers. Now Hopkins is about to embark on another study, this time looking at crop rotations. Hopkins says short rotations have led to some pest and field problems. HOPKINS "I can show you fields that have been in short rotation for a long time and they're still very production but as a general rule these short rotations I think are hurting our yields, they're hurting our tuber quality. We are spending more money to raise the crop because we're having to rely on chemical crutches to get us through." Hopkins knows that eastern Idaho growers in the higher elevations have limited options outside a potato-grain rotation but some of them are trying alternative crops like alfalfa or organic potatoes. In the Magic Valley spud farmers are taking advantage of a growing dairy industry. HOPKINS "There is a tremendous need for corn silage. You know I've seen guys grow seed for different crops and again, I just think a guy has to be creative but if you're relying strictly on potatoes and grain every other year it's probably a formula for being out of business eventually." Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott