Effect of integration of nutrient sources on yield and quality of potato under rainfed conditions

Abstract

The effect of integration of nutrient sources on potato tuber yield and quality was investigated during three consecutive years (2011–2013) at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, Meghalaya. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice, with 8 treatments, viz., control (no nutrients application); 100% recommended dose of mineral fertilizers (RDF); 75% RDF + 25% Nitrogen (N) through farm yard manure (N-FYM); 50% RDF + 50% N-FYM; 75% RDF and tuber inoculation with biofertilizers [Azotobacter (Azot) + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)]; 75% RDF and 25% N-FYM + inoculation with biofertilizers (Azot + PSB); 50% RDF + 50% N-FYM + inoculation with biofertilizers (Azot + PSB) and 100% N-FYM. The integration of 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through synthetic sources and 25% recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure (FYM) alongwith inoculation of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) brought about the significant improvement in plant population, yield attributes, total yield, desirable grade wise tuber size distribution and quality parameters in potato especially nitrogen concentration and discarded tuber proportion. Marketable and total tuber yields were significantly reduced due to production of higher proportion of total weight of discarded tubers with the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through FYM on nitrogen basis. Both biofertilizers played significant role in supplementing the nutrient needs of potato through augmenting the availability nitrogen and phosphorus. The incidence of late blight was higher with application of synthetic fertilizers, whereas scabbed and discarded tubers were more with sole application of FYM.