Potato storage in clamps
Potato clamps are common in many potato growing countries, because of the low input of materials from outside the farm.
Various types of clamps are known.
Clamps covered with straw and plastic
- Clamp A: the temperature in the clamp is close to the average outside air temperature, the
potatoes are well ventilated but are not well protected against rain.
- Clamp B: the ventilation of the potatoes is poor, the temperature is higher than the average outside air temperature and the tubers are well projected against rain
- Clamp C: the temperature of the potatoes in the clamp is close to the average outside air
temperature, the potatoes are reasonably well ventilated and are well protected against rain
- Clamp D: as C, but ventilation is better than in clamp C
- Clamp E: conditions in clamp E close to conditions in clamp C
- Clamp F: potatoes in direct contact with plastic are subject to condensation and heat by sun
irradiation. Use only for short period to protect tubers from sudden unexpected rain.
Clamps covered with soil and straw
These clamps are used in climates where frosts are expected. With proper timing of adding protecting materials (straw and soil), temperatures can be regulated to some extend. The soil is only added when frost is expected; the soil at the top is removed when no more severe frost is expected. In mild winters the temperature will be relatively high.
Clamps with straw and soil
Clamps covered with straw
Straw covered clamps are used for longer or temporary storage before cold storage (wound healing, curing) .
Clamp with straw===Clamp with clover===Clamp with maize straw===Clamp treated with insecticides
Caves
In caves potatoes covered with straw. Temperature of potatoes remain at average year temperature of the ambient outside air temperature.
Potatoes stored in caves===Pit in the soil