Potato fertiliser application

Correct timing and placement of fertiliser applications to potatoes is important to achieve the highest level of nutrient use efficiency, which also minimises any environmental impact whilst maximising crop productivity.

Yield loss as a result of poor fertiliser spreading

Nutrients need to be applied as accurately as possible to the zone of uptake, before or at the time that the crop needs them. Failure to ensure that each plant gets the right balance of nutrients can spoil crop quality and reduce yield.

Pre-planting fertilisers are either broadcast or banded. Generally, banded fertilisers give the best results.

When broadcasting fertiliser it is essential to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Small variations in distribution of plus or minus 10% will result in yield losses of up to 1.3t/ac. 

Nutrients need to be accurately timed to coincide with critical growth stages; for example calcium at tuber initiation. Because different varieties initiate tubers at different times, it is important to visually check when the first tubers are being formed in order to ensure maximum nutrient efficiency.

Recommended Yara fertilisers for potatoes

MAINCROP S
14-5.7-17.4 + 2.2% S - A quality size matched NPK plus S size matched blended fertiliser, ideal for use for potato production due to the ratio in the of N P and K whilst including a useful amount of sulphur.
YaraLiva TROPICOTE
15.5% N + 18.8% Ca - Granular calcium nitrate fertiliser for field application to a wide range of crops.
YaraMila COMPLEX
12-4.8-14.9 + 8% S - Prilled NPK fertiliser which also contains magnesium and sulphur as well as micronutrients ideal for use on a wide range of arable and horticultural crops.
YaraVita MANTRAC PRO
A flowable liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing 500 g/l of manganese for application as a foliar spray or seed treatment to a wide range of crops to treat or prevent manganese deficiency.
YaraVita MAGPHOS K
A liquid fertiliser containing a high concentration of phosphate together with potash and magnesium for foliar application to potatoes and other crops.
YaraVita MAGFLO 300
A flowable liquid fertiliser containing 300 g/l magnesium for foliar application to cereals and potatoes or treat magnesium deficiency in a wide range of crops.
YaraVita CROPLIFT PRO
A foliar fertiliser containing multiple nutrients and micronutrients for foliar application to a wide range of crops during times of stress or periods of rapid growth.
See all fertilisers products

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Potato fertiliser application

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Potato agronomy advice

Farmer on a potato field
Establishing potatoes successfully
As with any other crop, good nutrition is key to securing a healthy potato crop, one that will return good yield and high quality and ultimately achieve a better profit margin for you.
Agronomy Advice -Biotrac helps combat stress in potatoes
Biotrac helps combat stress in potatoes
There are many types of biostimulants on the market, each with different purposes. Yara's biostimulant products focus on is enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures or drought. They contain bioactive components that help the plant mitigate the effects of stress.
Agronomy Advice -Biostimulants increase marketable yield of potatoes
Biostimulants increase marketable yield of potatoes
Biostimulant products trigger natural plant processes that enhance nutrient use efficiency. Improved plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance help the plants to remain vigorous in hostile growing conditions so the farmer can generate better yield and quality.
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Contact your local Yara area manager or agronomist

 

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