Growing potatoes inFarming Simulator 22(FS22) offers a rewarding but slightly more complex experience compared to other crops. One essential step before harvesting potatoes is removing the foliage, also known as ‘haulm topping.’ If you skip this step, your potato harvester won’t function correctly, and the crop will not be collected. Knowing how to remove potato foliage in FS22 not only improves your efficiency but also ensures that your harvest runs smoothly. This guide explains everything you need to know about removing potato foliage in FS22, what equipment is needed, and how to integrate it into your farming workflow.
Understanding Foliage Removal in FS22
Why You Need to Remove Foliage
Before you can harvest potatoes, the above-ground part of the plant referred to as foliage or haulm must be cleared. This mimics real-world farming where potato plants are topped to prevent disease and to ease the harvesting process. In FS22, this is a mandatory mechanic. If the foliage is still present, your potato harvester won’t pick up anything, leading to wasted time and resources.
How Foliage Removal Fits Into Potato Harvesting
Potatoes in FS22 go through several growth stages. After they reach maturity, but before harvesting, you’ll need to top them. The ideal sequence is:
- Plant potatoes using a potato planter.
- Let them grow to the final growth stage.
- Use a haulm topper to remove the foliage.
- Follow up with a potato harvester to collect the crop.
Equipment Needed for Foliage Removal
Using Haulm Toppers
The primary tool for removing potato foliage in FS22 is called a haulm topper. This implement attaches to your tractor and is designed specifically for cutting off the leaves from potato plants. The game offers several models from various brands, each with different working widths and power requirements.
Popular Haulm Topper Options
- Grimme KS 75-4: A basic topper suitable for smaller farms with a 1.5-meter working width.
- Grimme KS 75-4 and Rootster: When combined with certain planters or harvesters, these help automate the process in one pass.
- Ropa KS-75: A larger topper option useful for bigger fields and faster processing.
Power and Attachment Requirements
Make sure your tractor has the necessary horsepower to run the haulm topper you choose. Most require at least 100-150 HP. Also, ensure your tractor has a front or rear three-point linkage, depending on the topper model.
Steps to Remove Foliage From Potatoes
Step 1: Wait Until Potatoes Fully Grow
Do not attempt to remove foliage before the crop reaches its final growth stage. Doing so may damage the yield or result in inefficient field work. Use the map’s growth stage filter to check when potatoes are ready to be topped.
Step 2: Attach the Haulm Topper
Drive your tractor next to the haulm topper and attach it using the standard input command. Some players prefer using front-mounted toppers, so they can follow immediately with a rear-mounted potato harvester in one go.
Step 3: Position the Tractor and Start the Process
Lower the topper and turn it on once you are aligned with the potato rows. Begin driving forward slowly, making sure to cover each row without missing any parts. Depending on your topper’s width, you may need to make several passes.
Step 4: Inspect the Field
After topping all rows, inspect the field to ensure all foliage has been removed. Missed patches can interrupt harvesting later. If you use GPS or AI workers, ensure the route covers the entire field width properly.
Tips for Efficient Foliage Removal
Use Front and Rear Implements Together
To save time, mount a haulm topper on the front of your tractor and a potato harvester on the back. This lets you top and harvest in a single pass, increasing efficiency. However, this requires careful alignment and compatible equipment models.
Upgrade to Larger Equipment for Big Fields
If you’re managing large potato fields, consider investing in larger toppers or self-propelled harvesters that include built-in topping functions. While more expensive, they dramatically reduce the time and labor needed.
Use Workers Wisely
AI workers in FS22 can operate haulm toppers, freeing you up for other tasks. Make sure your field edges are clean and rectangular to reduce errors when using workers. Monitor their progress to catch any missed rows early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Topping Before Final Growth
Removing foliage before the potatoes are fully grown will not allow the crop to finish developing. Always wait until the plants reach the mature stage, which is visually indicated by a change in color and density.
Not Aligning Properly
If your topper isn’t aligned with the rows correctly, you’ll miss sections of foliage. This results in patches where the harvester won’t work. Use visual markers or GPS mods to help maintain clean, straight lines.
Skipping Topping Altogether
It may be tempting to go straight to harvesting, especially for newcomers, but skipping the topping step will prevent the harvester from picking up any potatoes. Always prioritize foliage removal before harvesting.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Farmers
Combining Tools for Maximum Efficiency
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try combining tools to streamline your potato operation. Attach a topper to the front of a powerful tractor and a trailed harvester to the rear. This minimizes field passes and saves fuel.
Optimizing Field Layouts
When planning potato fields, consider the size and working width of your topper. Create field rows that match your topper’s width to reduce the number of turns and passes required. This becomes more important when managing several large plots.
Storing and Selling Potatoes
After a successful harvest, make sure to store or sell your potatoes efficiently. Use loading conveyors and trailers to transport them to your farm silo or market. Consider processing options like potato washers or sorters if your map includes production chains.
Successfully removing foliage from potato plants inFarming Simulator 22is a critical step in the harvesting process. Without this action, your harvesters won’t function, and all your effort growing potatoes could go to waste. By using the correct haulm toppers, waiting until the right growth stage, and aligning your equipment properly, you’ll ensure a smooth and productive potato harvest. Whether you’re just starting with root crops or optimizing a large-scale farming operation, understanding how to remove foliage from potatoes in FS22 is essential for success. Incorporate this step into your crop management cycle, and you’ll be rewarded with efficient harvests and maximum yields every time.