UK trial no 2.

Overview of trial 2.

Many people have expressed the view, that as the potatoes grow in the barrel there will be less potatoes produced towards the top of the barrel than at the bottom where the original potato was planted. IE a ‘pyramid effect’, the problem being more noticeable with the taller barrels.

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Object of trial 2.

The object of this trial is to establish if this perceived growing pattern is in fact true, and if found to be the case establish alternative planting methods to maximise the final crop.

This is vital advanced data needed for 2009 trials in The Gambia.

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Method of trial 2.

At this stage it will be assumed that the ‘pyramid effect’ does happen. We will use barrel B from trial 1 as a control barrel. When it is harvested as well as the total yield the position of the potatoes will be recorded.

A second barrel will be planted and grown in exactly the same way as barrel B. Three more potatoes will be planted in separate plastic bags. When the barrel is approximately two thirds full the potatoes in the plastic bags will be transplanted into it. Effectively giving extra potato growth in the top third of the barrel.

The barrel will be left to grow on as normal. At the time of harvesting the position of all the potatoes in the barrel will be recorded and the total harvest weighed.

Comparing the data from the two barrels will give us the results of the trial.

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Anticipated results of trial 2.

Until we know if the ‘pyramid affect’ does in fact happen it is difficult to anticipate the result of this trial. Assuming that it does happen then further experiments will be conducted on full size barrel’s next year.

The original GTS barrel was planted with seven potatoes in the bottom. Trials will be made by planting, for example, only four potatoes in the bottom, four more about one third up and a further four two thirds up.

1st update. 13 April 2008.

Using the same type potatoes as for barrel B Trial 1 the barel and three bags were planted today.

2nd update. Friday 2nd May.

The potatoes have now broken through the soil.

3rd update. Monday 12th May.

The barrel had it's first top up today. 

4th update. Thursday 15th May.

The barrel had its second topup today.

5th update. Monday 19th May.

Had a slight change of plan. Have decided to put three layers of potatoes instead of the two I origionaly planned.

The three potatoes I origionaly  planted in bags to put in the barrel have grown to much to use, so I have used 4 red potatoes that Hilary had spare (see Hilary, community crops). The barrel is now half full.

6th update. Sunday 1st June.

This photo was taken today.

7th update 6 June.

Three potatoes planted about a third from the top today.

8th update 12 June.

Barrel now fully topped up.

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