Hydrophobicity is a documented problem in many sand soils worldwide. Potatoes are commonly grown in sandy soil in Idaho, but the occurrence and effect of hydrophobicity has not been documented in this region. The objectives of this research were to document hydrophobicity occurrence in Idaho and to determine its impact on tuber yield, size, grade, and occurrence of internal and external defects. Nine field locations were established in 2004 under a variety of sand types and irrigation systems. Six replications, in a RCBD, with treatments including with and without a surfactant known to remedy hydrophobicity with other crops and in other regions. Results showed that hydrophobicity did develop at many of the locations tested and, when it occurred, the surfactant significantly improved yield and tuber quality.
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