UK: Cost of potato irrigation has doubled since 2005

The rising cost of irrigation was one of the topics discussed at the East of England Potato Day in Suffolk last week.

The cost of applying water to potato crops is rising fast and has doubled since 2005, according to Jerry Knox of Cranfield University.

"It now costs £100 to apply 25mm to 1ha, compared with just £50 for the same amount six years ago,"he said.

As water availability will only become less reliable and more expensive in the future, every effort should be made to irrigate efficiently, he advised.

"That doesn't necessarily mean using less water. Better use and less waste are the key points, so growers should concentrate on putting the right amount of water on at the right time and in the right place."