Justification of mulching methods in early cultivation of the Acoustic variety of potato

Abstract

Potato cultivation is a significant agricultural activity in Uzbekistan, covering an extensive land area of 253,000 hectares. However, the average yield per hectare is 163 quintals, which is lower compared to leading potato-producing countries such as the USA, the Netherlands, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. To improve potato yields, experiments were conducted focusing on different cultivation practices. The results showed that the highest yield was achieved when seeds from the summer harvest were sown and mulched. Specifically, the control group achieved a yield of 95.6%, the group mulched with film achieved 97.0%, and the group mulched with manure achieved 96.1%. In contrast, the control group using seeds from the autumn harvest had lower yield percentages of 76.8%, 79.5%, and 78.0%, respectively. Based on these findings, it is recommended to use mulching methods, such as covering with manure or polyethylene film, to achieve the earliest and highest potato yields. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating favorable conditions for potato growth and development. Implementing these recommendations could potentially enhance potato production in Uzbekistan, leading to increased yields and improved food security for the population. Further research and adoption of modern agricultural practices can contribute to the sustainable development of potato cultivation in Uzbekistan.