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Copy link Growing Potato crop nutrition advice
Everything you need to know about fertilizing potatoes, best practices, suitable products, field trials and more
Crop nutrition advice for growing potato (Solanum tuberosum)
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The potato (Solanum tuberosum)belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is commonly known as the nightshade family.
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This popular, versatile and widely consumed crop is grown across a diverse range of states in the USA. Commercial potato cultivation occurs in approximately 30 states, with varying climates and soil conditions influencing production.
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Top producing states are Idaho, Washington, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Colorado.
Potato plants with healthy leaves
Potatoes harvested in optimum condition
What soil type, pH and climate do potatoes prefer?
- Potatoes prefer full-sun and well-drained, loose, and friable soil that offers adequate aeration to facilitate root and tuber growth.
- Sandy loam and loamy soils are often well-suited
- Potatoes thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil that promotes nutrient availability (5.5-6.7 pH)
- Cooler temperatures (59°F to 70°F during the growing season) can help promote optimal tuber development
What nutrients are most important for potato yield and quality?
In addition to required macronutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), potatoes also require calcium, sulfur and magnesium in sufficient quantities to ensure quality crop, reduce instances of scab and promote bulking. While other micronutrients are required in lower quantities, balanced nutrition is important for healthy crop growth.
Estimated nutrient uptake (kg/t) by:
| N | P2O5 | K2O | Mg | S | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kg/ha | Kg/ha | Kg/ha | Kg/ha | Kg/ha | Kg/ha | |
| Tubers | 139 | 66 | 288 | 15 | 22 | 7 |
| Above ground biomass | 214 | 25 | 330 | 25 | 12 | 13 |
Source: IPNI
Role of nutrients
Key parameter N P2O5 K2O Mg C S
Yield ++ + ++ + +/- +/-
Tuber size ++ ++ +
Tuber weight ++ + ++
Skin set - + +
Bruising and handling - + ++ ++
Tuber color (internal blackening) +/- +
Dry matter content - +/- - +/-
Starch content - + +/-
+ = improving
– = decreasing
+/- = different results, depending on the rate of nutrient applied
Source: IPI bulletin – Fertilizing for high yield | POTATO
Nutrient deficiencies
| Nutrient | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Leaves are pale green (general chlorosis) Old leaves remain yellow, while younger leaves turn darker Plants will produce less stems and tubers |
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| Phosphorus | Plant growth is stunted Darker color than normal Lower leaf surface gray green Leaflets roll upwards if deficiency is severe. It occurs on calcareous and heavy soils, where P can be fixed |
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| Potassium | Potassium deficiency symptoms normally Scorched appearance with black pigmentation and necrotic edges (dead tissues) Symptoms appear on the young, full-sized leaves Common in light soils due to easier leaching. |
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| Calcium | Moderate calcium deficiency may not appear but in severe situations leaf’s margin can be affected Brown blotches may appear around the stolon end of the tubers Tubers may show severe skin cracking Deficiencies are severe in soils with pH below 5 |
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| Magnesium | Chlorosis of leaf margins of older leaves. Yellowing Symptoms appear first on the older leaves, due to its mobility General chlorosis with veins remaining green Scorched appearance caused by interveinal necrosis Can occur on sandy soils and when high K level were applied |
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| Sulfur | Symptoms are similar to nitrogen deficiency, but deficiency symptoms occur first in younger leaves (as yellowing similar N deficiency) General chlorosis The yellowing is uniform and general It may occur on loamy sand soils |
What cultivars are best suited for US growers?
- Choosing potato cultivars well-adapted to local climate and soil conditions enhances overall success.
- Choice depends on various climactic factors, soil types, and the intended crop use (fresh, processing).
- It is important to consult with local agricultural extension services to stay up to date on agronomic advancements.
- Popular US cultivars include Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Kennebec and various fingerling varieties.
What are common challenges for US potato producers?
Potato producers in the United States face various challenges that can impact the success and profitability of their crops. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Disease and pest management with common issues such as late blight (caused by fungus-like oomycete) and aphids, and Colorado potato beetle
- Nutrient management and soil health to maintain optimal fertility and reduce nutrient imbalances that can affect yield and quality and instances of scab
- Storage and quality maintenance to avoid disease, rot and sprouting
Addressing these challenges often involves a combination of integrated pest management, sustainable agricultural practices, balanced fertility management, and adopting new technologies.
Potato trials
Q&A
Here are some frequently asked questions we received from farmers regarding growing potatoes
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This decision begins with a soil test, however, potatoes are highly responsive to P and may require additional fertilizer beyond what the soil test recommends. Additional strategies to improve the efficiency of P fertilizer use include placement close to the seed piece, use of humic or fulvic acids, and acidifying P fertilizers like Agrolution pHLow to ensure maximum availability to the plant.
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Sulfur is essential for all crops. In potatoes, adequate sulfur nutrition can reduce sugar development in storage and increase tuber yields.
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Calcium is important in the development of roots and shoots and will also help with reducing storage losses.
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Yes, improving the health of the soil will improve water management and nutrient availability.
Need expert advice on your plant nutrition plan?
Proven in Potatoes
Polysulphate®
Nova
Agrolution pHLow
H2Flo
Nova
Nova
Agroblen Total
Agrocote
Nova
Nova
