Breakthrough in Potato Production: Straw Mulching and Zero-Tillage Technique Shows Promise
Due to fertile soil, favorable weather, and advanced farming technologies, potato production in the country is steadily increasing. However, the conventional farming methods and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers are gradually diminishing the quality of the soil.
In response to this issue, researchers from the Department of Agronomy at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have successfully applied the straw mulching technique on soil and introduced zero-tillage farming for potato production. The initial results have shown a significant increase in potato yield. According to the research, potato yield through zero-tillage farming is 2 tons more per hectare than conventional farming methods.
Additionally, this method reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which is expected to help lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and contribute to combating climate change, as per the researchers’ predictions.
The success was achieved after two seasons of research on potato farming techniques and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The research project is ongoing, funded by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Dr. Khairul, the principal researcher, shared insights into the research, stating, “We conducted the research using the BARi-7 (Diamond) variety of potatoes. The study focused on two types of farming methods: one conventional and the other conservation tillage, or zero tillage. Additionally, we also worked on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), determining the appropriate amounts of five types of fertilizers.”
Dr. Khairul further explained, “In the first season, we conducted tests by applying three farming methods on the same land. One method involved zero tillage with 100% chemical fertilizers, another used conventional tillage with 100% chemical fertilizers, and the third used zero tillage with 100% organic fertilizers. The results showed that zero tillage with 100% chemical fertilizers yielded 2 tons more per hectare than the conventional tillage with 100% chemical fertilizers.” The second season’s crop is currently in the field, and based on field inspections, the researchers expect higher yields with zero tillage compared to conventional farming, as in the first season.
PhD fellow and co-researcher FM Ruhul Kuddus stated that the soil test results showed higher levels of organic carbon in the land where zero tillage and Integrated Nutrient Management were applied, using materials like worm compost, poultry manure, and cow dung. He emphasized that zero tillage farming could reduce carbon emissions. “By using zero tillage in conservation farming, the cost of cultivation will be reduced,” added Kuddus.
