Division 5.1 Specificity of the geographical area

The Bologna plain enjoys moderate spring temperatures from the end of February/beginning of March which are ideal to ensure that the seed potatoes sown during that period sprout properly. During the period of maximum plant growth (April to June), temperatures reach 25 °C to 28 °C, promoting the development and growth of the tubers and steady ripening. Rainfall, which is spread throughout the year, favours cultivation during the period of initial plant growth when tubers first begin to form. It also guarantees the replenishment of groundwater aquifers and allows preparation of the soils before the potatoes are sown.

Further, thanks to its natural streams and rivers (the Idice, Reno, Gaiana, Fossatone, Quaderna, Rido, Sillaro, Samoggia and Savena) as well as canals constructed for irrigation purposes (the Emiliano-Romagnolo Canal), the region enjoys good water supply for cultivation in spring and summer, the period in which the need is greatest.

The morphological characteristics of the soils, predominantly alluvial and stratified and therefore rich in oxygen, create very favourable conditions for the development of the potato.