When harvest wraps up and potatoes move into storage, the real work of preserving crop quality begins. Inside every tuber, respiration continues—breaking down complex substances to release heat, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water. Left unchecked, that process can quietly compromise quality and reduce market value.
Why Carbon Dioxide Matters
Immediately after harvest, field heat is a key factor. Potatoes come into storage carrying warmth from the soil and the air, and higher temperatures mean higher respiration rates. That translates into rapid CO₂ buildup inside the pile.
Without adequate ventilation, CO₂ concentrations can quickly climb above safe thresholds. Depending on the variety, critical CO₂ levels range from 1,500 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Exceeding those levels has been linked to:
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Increased reducing sugars
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Darker fry colors
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Off-flavors and overall quality loss
For growers supplying processors or the fresh market, even subtle CO₂ imbalances can translate to rejected loads or downgraded contracts.
The Soiltech Beacon Advantage
Soiltech Beacons are small, wireless devices that can be placed directly into potato piles to continuously track heat, humidity, and CO₂ levels. By acting as “eyes inside the pile,” Beacons make it possible to see what’s happening in real time—without guesswork.
Two recent grower examples highlight the impact:
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Ventilation shutoffs: One grower was turning off ventilation systems part of the day. Beacon data showed CO₂ levels spiking above 12,000 ppm during those shutoffs. Armed with this information, the grower chose to run the system continuously, preventing serious quality issues.
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Disease pressure: Another grower, facing disease pressure and without refrigeration, had to shut down ventilation during hot afternoons. Beacon data revealed sharp CO₂ spikes during these times, as well as the effect of chemical treatments applied to control disease. The grower used this data to fine-tune ventilation schedules and determine how long the system could safely remain off.
Practical Flexibility for Growers
Beacons are particularly useful in rented storage facilities where ventilation systems may not be well maintained or where permanent upgrades aren’t practical. Unlike fixed systems, a Beacon is grower-owned and portable—easily removed at the end of storage.
Better still, Beacons don’t stop being useful once the storage season ends. The same device can be:
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Buried in the field to monitor soil temperature, moisture, and growing degree days
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Mounted above ground as a weather station for precipitation, wind, and disease forecasting
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Run through harvest equipment to identify bruise points in potatoes or onions
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Placed into storage piles or bins across crops including potatoes, onions, silage, hay, and grain
Why Growers Choose Soiltech
The Soiltech Beacon is an affordable, full-season solution that delivers actionable insights. With a grower-friendly web portal and mobile app, accessing data is simple. Alerts can be customized to send immediate text messages if conditions exceed set “safe zones.”
At the end of the day, you can’t manage what you can’t see. Soiltech Beacons turn invisible storage risks into clear, trackable data—helping protect the investment growers have nurtured since planting.
👉 Interested in seeing Beacons in action? Schedule a quick demo with Tyson Backer and learn how Soiltech can support your operation from soil to storage: https://meetings.hubspot.com/tyson-backer
