How to influence potato starch content

Potatoes are one of the most important sources of starch worldwide. Variety choice is very important and potatoes with greater than 13% starch content are required in countries such as Germany. The higher the starch content, the lower the waste.

Nitrogen excess may reduce starch content

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient to fuel canopy growth, however in temperate climates, an excess supply of nitrogen at later stages of growth will keep the crop growing, delaying maturity and may reduce starch content, reducing processing potato crop quality.

Nitrogen effect on starch content of potatoes

Phosphate influences starch quality

Phosphate fertiliser use can influence starch quality. By increasing the tuber phosphate content, the viscosity of the gelatinised starch is also increased and the gelatinisation temperature decreased.

Phosphorus and starch viscosity in potatoes

This data shows the relationship between tuber phosphate content and starch quality, as measured by viscosity.

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

Related articles

How to influence potato quality

How to influence potato quality

There are three main criteria which define the quality of potato: tuber quality, skin finish and storage and cooking quality. A balanced crop nutrition program is important to help manage all of these criteria.
How to improve potato skin finish

How to improve potato skin finish

Skin finish is important as consumers increasingly demand potatoes with clean, attractive skins. Tubers with surface infections of skin diseases are less attractive and also likely to have a reduced storage life.
How to reduce potato bruising

How to reduce potato bruising

Potato tuber bruising is a serious problem in the potato industry. Correct nutrition of the crop prior to harvest can minimise the risk of bruising occurring with potassium, calcium and boron all having effects that reduce bruising.
How to reduce internal spotting in potatoes

How to reduce internal spotting in potatoes

Internal spotting of potato is a physiological internal disorder resulting in small brown spots appearing in the tuber. It is usually associated with either poor or interrupted supply of calcium to newly formed and expanding cells.
How to influence potato tuber dry matter content

How to influence potato tuber dry matter content

Potato tubers with high dry matter tend to bruising more easily and disintegrate when boiled but have better fry colour when processed. Nitrogen, potassium and magnesium can all have influences on tuber dry matter content.
How to reduce potato tuber discolouration

How to reduce potato tuber discolouration

Discolouration or internal blackening or browning of potato tubers is responsible for significant post-harvest losses. Potassium, magnesium and boron can all have an influence on discolouration and blackening.

See all potato nutrition articles

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.
See all agronomy advice

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