In a groundbreaking experiment that challenges conventional agricultural wisdom, Belarusian agronomist Pyotr Lomonos has demonstrated that potato peels—typically considered waste—can produce higher yields than traditional whole seed potatoes. His 2025 research reveals that with proper preparation and management, what was once discarded can become valuable planting material, potentially reducing input costs while maintaining, and even improving, productivity.
Lomonos’s comparative trials showed that properly prepared potato peels outperformed conventional seed potato pieces in overall yield. While specific yield data wasn’t provided in the initial report, the success of this method aligns with emerging research on plant tissue regeneration potential. Studies from the International Potato Center have shown that potato cells contain remarkable regenerative capacity, with even small tissue sections capable of developing into full plants under optimal conditions.
The method’s success depends on several critical management practices:
- Thorough drying of peels before planting – This reduces moisture content and prevents rot
- Treatment with anti-phytophthora and disease control agents – Essential for protecting vulnerable tissue
- Proper ventilation before storage – Several days in well-ventilated spaces significantly improves storage longevity
- Immediate removal of damaged tubers – Prevents disease spread in storage
- Strategic use of potassium fertilizers – Enhances yield and quality
- Companion planting with marigolds – Natural pest repellent that reduces insect damage
- Topkill 10-14 days before harvest – Accelerates tuber maturation and improves flavor
The economic implications are significant. Traditional seed potatoes typically account for 25-30% of production costs in conventional potato farming. If widely adopted, this peel-planting method could dramatically reduce these expenses while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges. According to FAO estimates, approximately 20-25% of potato harvests are typically lost during processing as peel waste—material that could potentially be repurposed for planting.
The method also addresses growing concerns about sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles. By transforming waste into valuable inputs, farmers can reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining productivity. This approach particularly benefits smallholder farmers and those in developing regions where access to quality seed potatoes is often limited or expensive.
Pyotr Lomonos’s innovative experiment represents more than just a novel planting technique—it challenges fundamental assumptions about what constitutes viable planting material and demonstrates the untapped potential in agricultural waste streams. While further research is needed to validate these findings across different varieties and growing conditions, the method offers promising possibilities for reducing input costs, improving sustainability, and increasing accessibility to potato cultivation. As agricultural systems worldwide face increasing pressure to become more efficient and sustainable, such creative approaches to resource utilization may become increasingly valuable. This waste-to-harvest approach could particularly benefit organic farmers and those seeking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining productive operations.
