Growers use soil fumigation to manage soilborne pests and diseases and give their potato crop a stronger start. But what happens to the soil’s biological community afterward? In my latest article for Spud Smart, I explore that question in the first of a three-part series on soil fumigation and soil biology. Soil fumigation changes the […]
There’s a lot of conversation in agriculture about reducing soil disturbance—and for good reason. Protecting soil structure and biological function matters. But potato production requires more nuance. Seedbed preparation, planting, hilling and harvest all move soil. So rather than asking, “How can I disturb the soil less?” consider a better question: Is the disturbance helping […]
We talk a lot about the outcomes we want in agriculture: healthier soils, stronger yields, better crop quality and more resilient production systems. But lately, I’ve been thinking about a different question: What is the work required to actually get us there? In my latest article for Spud Smart, I explore the idea of functional […]
For years, potato production has been measured by inputs—fertilizer, water, fuel, and crop protection products. While these investments are essential, they don’t tell the whole story. A more useful way to think about potato farming is through the lens of energy. Every potato harvested begins as captured solar energy. The crop’s ability to intercept sunlight, […]
Every grower knows seed matters—but how much does it really matter? Seed isn’t just another input. It sets the trajectory for the entire season. Emergence, stand uniformity, and ultimately yield all trace back to the decisions made before planting. But “good seed” isn’t always straightforward. Growers are constantly balancing quality, cost, disease risk, storage, and […]
Agriculture is entering a new era—one where soil is no longer evaluated solely by inputs or practices, but by measurable performance. Recently, I published a six-part research series on the Catalyst-Activated Cycle (CAC) through Zenodo, an open-access platform widely used across European research and policy communities. Each manuscript carries a permanent DOI and is freely […]
Spud Smart recently published an article that reinforces something I’ve seen consistently across growing regions and seasons: ongoing learning is one of the most productive investments a grower can make. When we talk about productivity, the conversation often turns quickly to inputs, equipment, or acreage. But some of the most meaningful gains happen off the […]
Black dot is on the rise in potato fields, and farmers are worried — with good reason. Though it’s not a new disease, it’s a growing and incredibly tough to manage problem that can steal yield, blemish tubers, and reduce marketability. I’ve talked to a lot of farmers who are genuinely daunted by what can […]
Jeff Douglas, the founder of our affiliate Douglas Ag and exclusive Canadian distributor of the soil fumigant Strike, has a simple model: one grower, one trial, one success at a time. Growers are hesitant at first about Strike, but once they try it, can’t imagine farming without it. As an example, one road in New […]
It has been a couple months since I last posted, but one of our recent articles on SpudSmart.com is garnering a lot of views. People are curious about soil and soil health. I’m a soil guy myself: I am fascinated by the life that exists below our feet, and how we can promote and support […]
