Influence of compaction and subsoil tillage on soil conditions and pink eye

A densely compacted soil layer has been a prevalent feature of the vegetable crop production region of Central Wisconsin, resulting in poor water drainage, increased susceptibility to tuber disease, and reduced yield and quality in potatoes. Subsoil tillage has been implemented on a wide-scale for management of problems associated with compacted soil layers. Pink eye is a tuber disorder that causes storage and processing losses. Periods of moisture stress and increased hill temperatures have been linked to pink eye incidence, but the cause of this disorder is unknown and few specific management recommendations exist. The goals of this work were to quantify the impact of compacted soils and subsoil tillage on development of potato pink eye. Small plot experiments were conducted to quantify response of soil conditions and potato pink eye to soil compaction and subsoil tillage. Compacted soils resulted in higher volumetric soil water content and extended periods of free water, especially after substantial precipitation events. Subsoil tillage allowed for more rapid movement of water following large precipitation events decreasing periods of free water. More compacted soils also had higher soil temperatures. Subsoil tillage delayed the development and progression of pink eye symptoms, but did not influence overall incidence. Increased soil moisture and temperature corresponded with more rapid development of pink eye in compacted and conventionally tilled soils. This research suggests subsoil tillage may be useful in reducing the severity of pink eye symptoms by alleviating compacted subsoil layers that limit water drainage. In addition, prevention of compaction reduced soil temperatures which limited pink eye development.