What to insert into the soil after potatoes – the first protection
If the potatoes have already been dug up, the first thing to do is to assess the condition of the bed. If there are potato tubers, small tubers, weeds, or other plant residues left, they must be collected. This is especially important if the potatoes were diseased.
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It is best to remove diseased plant residues from the garden and not leave them in the compost.
The cleaned bed can be dug to a depth of about 20–25 cm. Digging alone will not destroy disease pathogens, but it will help incorporate the remaining organic matter into the soil and improve its condition. However, just digging the soil is not enough – other steps are also important.
Don’t forget crop rotation
Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should not be planted in the same infected place for at least 3–4 years, as these vegetables share common diseases.
Instead of potatoes and other tuber crops, cucumbers, zucchinis, onions, garlic, beets, legumes, or various greens can be grown.
It is also useful to sow green manure – siderates – after potatoes. Suitable plants include phacelia, oats, rye, or legumes. They can improve soil structure and protect it from erosion.
However, before sowing siderates, if there were diseases in the bed, it is worth assessing whether additional soil treatment is needed.
How to disinfect the soil after potatoes?
If the potatoes were severely affected by diseases, copper-based fungicides or Bordeaux mixture can be used in autumn, but only following the specific product’s usage instructions and recommended concentration.
It is important not to overdo it – copper can accumulate in the soil, so such treatment should not be repeated annually in the same place.
When using plant protection products, it is necessary to follow the safety requirements indicated on the label, wear protective gloves and, if specified, eye protection. The solution must also not be allowed to enter water bodies.
Biological preparations can also help
In warmer autumn soil, biological fungicides containing beneficial microorganisms, such as Bacillus or Trichoderma, can additionally be used.
However, it is important to understand that such preparations work gradually. One watering should not be expected to destroy all disease pathogens.
To improve the condition of the potato bed, the most important thing is not to rely on a single universal remedy “for everything.” First, plant residues must be carefully removed, weeds pulled out, and crop rotation ensured.
Preparations should be used only when truly needed and considering the specific disease that was recorded.
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