CONTROL OF SIZE AND YIELD IN RELATION TO HARVEST DATE OF CARROT ROOTS

Results are presented to show some of the effects of row spacing, plant density and length of growing-period on the yield and size of carrot roots. It is concluded that rows closer than about 15 cm can be expected to give higher yields than more widely spaced rows, both when high densities are used to produce small carrots for canning whole, and when lower densities are used to produce larger carrots for dicing or soups. However, the practical difficulties of harvesting crops grown in contiguous close-rows make it seem likely that carrots will be grown either in rows or 'bands' ranging from 25 to 70 cm apart. The difficulties are discussed of interpreting the results obtained at one row spacing to provide guidance for growers using some other row spacing.