Organomineral fertilizer as an alternative for increasing potato yield and quality

José M. Q. Luz,John S. Porto,Roberta C. Oliveira,Risely Ferraz-Almeida,Tiyoko N. H. Rebouças,Darlaine M. Ferreira

doi:10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v26n4p306-312

Abstract

ABSTRACT Organomineral fertilizer has great potential to replace synthetic fertilizers. The goal of this study was to determine an optimal substitution rate of organomineral fertilizer for mineral fertilizer to increase potato yield and quality. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates and six treatments, namely four substitution rates of organomineral fertilizer application (25, 50, 75, and 100% of mineral fertilizer demand), one rate of mineral fertilizer application (100% of mineral fertilizer demand), and the control (no fertilizer application). The organomineral application rates were tested as an alternative to substitute 25 to 100% of mineral fertilizer. The potato yield (total and in-class) and quality and plant and soil nutrient contents were monitored. The pH and total soluble solid contents had positive correlations with yield. Potatoes accumulated higher contents of K > N > P in the leaves, stems, and tubers. The organomineral fertilizer application rate of 3.7 t ha-1 (equivalent to 100% of mineral fertilizer demand) was the optimal rate to increase potato yield and quality. Organomineral fertilizer is a viable alternative to increase potato quality and yield and to increase plant and soil nutrient contents.

Highlights

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are consumed by approximately one billion people worldwide, with a planted area of 18 million hectares and production of 330 million tons (Pllana et al, 2018)
The quality and quantity of potatoes are directly related to the supply and availability of nutrients owing to the high nutrient demand of tuber production
Potassium and nitrogen are the main nutrients extracted by the potato plant, followed by calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients (Fernandes et al, 2010)

Summary

Introduction

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are consumed by approximately one billion people worldwide, with a planted area of 18 million hectares and production of 330 million tons (Pllana et al, 2018). In Brazil, most potato production is located in the south and southwest regions, covering approximately 130,000 hectares and producing 3.5 million tons (EMBRAPA, 2020). The recommended nutrient application for potato farming is based on demand, with application of 160, 560, and 320 kg ha-1 of N, P, and K, respectively, in areas in the first year of planting, and 120, 420, and 240 kg ha-1, respectively, in previously cultivated areas (Mallmann et al, 2011). Potato plants use 48-77% of the applied mineral nutrients; the rest is lost by immobilization (P), volatilization [nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3)], and leaching into groundwater [K+ and nitrate (NO3-)] (Almeida et al, 2015). There is a high dependence of potato production on synthetic fertilizers with low nutrient use efficiency, thereby limiting potato production

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Results