Potato growers in fenland areas like Holbeach Marsh lose considerable economic yield due to common potato scab. In other areas this disease is controlled largely by targeted irrigation for 4-6 weeks after the tubers start to grow. If growers could use slightly more brackish water for irrigation, it would reduce their reliance on freshwater.
Overall it was found that higher levels of salinity did not impair potato yield or grade.
Find out more about the details of these finds by watching the below video.