In industrialized agri-food systems, nitrogen overfertilization in potato cultivation remains common, often used as insurance against uncertain soil fertility and low crop N use efficiency (NUE). While nitrogen strongly influences yield and quality, excess leads to poor NUE (5060% for potato), increasing environmental risks due to its shallow root system. Applying the 4R principlesright rate, source, timing, and placementis key. One of the technologies and management practices for optimal nitrogen management at farm level, following the 4R principle, is splitting N applications across growth stages to match crop needs, especially during rapid growth (up to 5 kg N/ha/day). Monitoring plant and soil responses enables adaptive management, enhancing yield while minimizing environmental impact. Digital support systems (DSS) using Crop Nitrogen Status (CNS) indicators help fine-tune N applications based on cultivar, soil N, climate, and crop stage. CNS tools must be robust and user-friendly to address field variability and improve fertilization efficiency.
Piloting Potato Splitting Applications of Nitrogen Fertilization in Potato Crop
Content Author: Arvalis