On 27th June, this second webinar from AUA focuses on check and adjust, during the potato growing season to optimise nutrient management for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Key Topics on Potato Cultivation
Potatoes are a vital crop globally and in Greece, with high nutritional and economic value. Productivity depends on balanced nutrients:
- Nitrogen (N): Essential for foliage and photosynthesis, but excess leads to oversized leaves at the expense of tuber growth.
- Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development, early growth, and tuber initiation.
- Potassium (K): Vital for sugar transport, tuber quality (hardness, durability, taste).
- Secondary elements like magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) also play roles.
Pre-Planting Recap and Monitoring
- Start with soil sampling (30 cm depth) and analysis: Aim for pH 5.5–6.5, organic matter >1.5–2%, and balanced Ca:Mg: K ratios for nutrient uptake.
- Fertilisation plan: Base P and K before planting; N post-planting. Use water-soluble K via drip irrigation in later stages (last 2–3 months) for tuber quality.
Monitoring and Adjustment During Growth
- Leaf Analysis: Critical tool – before flowering for NPK levels; during tuberization for K, Mg, Zn. Helps identify deficiencies early.
- Adjustments: Intervene based on visuals (e.g., yellowing for N deficiency) or analyses. Use fertigation for precise delivery.
- Other practices: Preventive measures against diseases/insects; be careful with young plants to avoid phytotoxicity.
Q&A Highlights
- Organic Methods: Increasingly popular for eco-friendly products. Focus on prevention; current organic fertilisers show potential but need more development for reliable results. Monitor more intensively as tools are less potent.
- Combining Fertilisers with Pesticides: Possible, but watch for phytotoxicity (e.g., with copper-based fungicides). Follow labels; no major issues noted in potatoes. Extra caution with young plants.
- Base Fertilisation Importance: Even foliar applications can’t compensate for poor soil base; ensure balanced soil nutrients from the start.
The webinar stresses flexible, data-driven strategies for real-time adjustments to minimise losses and enhance sustainability. The third webinar will cover post-harvest evaluation.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/fmDEEPDgFb4
