Question

when potatoes are in the ground, do they swell with water when it rains? If not, how do you explain that, and if so, what would be the advantage or disadvantage?

Answer 1

The potato does not swell due to the fact that it is only part of the plant. The water in the ground is taken up via the rest of the roots and transferred to the leaves and other parts. The potato itself does not exchange water with the soil.