Mini-Ridge with Covering and Side Planting Method Enhances Rainwater Collection and the Yield of Rain-fed Potato

To improve potato yield in the Yinshan hilly area in Inner Mongolia of China, we implemented a novel cultivation method, i.e., the mini-ridge with covering and side planting (MCSP), based on local meteorological conditions and soil characteristics, and the growth and developmental process of potato. Data from four years of field experiments and laboratory simulation indicate that: 1) the yield of rain-fed potato under the MCSP method increased significantly, by 34% and 48% over yields obtained from the traditional methods of flat cultivation with covering (FC), and flat cultivation with no covering (FNC), respectively; 2) Compared to the FC and FNC methods, MCSP increased the rain water productivity by 15-53% and 28-74%; 3) MCSP increased water content in the top 20 cm of soil, and changed the distribution pattern of soil water by enhancing its vertical movement while reducing its lateral transport, thereby concentrating soil water into the root zone for improved root development.