Organomineral fertilizer as an alternative for increasing potato yield and quality¹

Fertilizante organomineral como alternativa para aumentar a produtividade e qualidade da batata

HIGHLIGHTS:

Organomineral fertilizer improves the potato quality and yield.

Potatoes accumulate higher contents of K > N > P in leaves, stems, and tubers.

Potato quality is correlated with nutrient accumulation in the plant.

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.

Key words:
organic matter; plant growth; nutrients; nitrogen; phosphorus; potassium