Assessing Soil Degradation and Hydrological Processes in Conventional Potato Crops

Abstract

The cultivation of potatoes is a paramount task since they represent one of the most consumed ingredients in the entire world. Nonetheless, the change from traditional to conventional crop systems has led to an increase in the use of heavy machinery, fertilizers and herbicides that can pose serious risks for future. These effects on soil erosion were studied on a representative conventional farm, located in the municipality of Irati (Paraná, Brazil), through the estimation of soil erosion rates along the different phases (P) of potatoes’ annual cultivation cycle: P1-planting, P2-heaping, P3-tuber growth, P4-maturation and senescence. To do that, six erosion plots were installed of 10 m2 in size in which we have quantified soil and water losses after every rainfall event and irrigation day. In addition, we have determined bulk density, penetration resistance and aggregate stability from 0 to 30 cm in depth. At the end of this research, it was observed that potato cultivation under conventional management promoted severe erosion. The results obtained indicated that soil erosion was significantly higher in certain phases of the cultivation cycle (e.g. heaping) due to changes in soil structure as a consequence of agricultural activities. Therefore, we encourage farmers to look for nature-based solutions and scholars to assess the effectiveness of these.