Potato

Basic Information

According to their intended use, potatoes can be divided into two categories - table potatoes and potatoes for industry. For industrial processing the ingredients but also the shape of the potatos is important. Industrial potatoes usually have a higher starch content than table potatoes. For the latter, it is important to distinguish between varieties from soft to hard cooking, depending on the intended use. Potato varieties are also distinguished according to their ripening time. The objective in the production of potatoes for human consumption and industrial use are high qualities, high yields and homogeneous sorts. The availability of nutrients for high yields is a major factor, especially phosphorus to increase tubing and other essential elements that we provide for an optimal development with high quality fertilizers from COMPO EXPERT.

Detailed Description

The potato is a crop with a medium to high technological level. The diversity of climates and soil generates specific demands regarding nutritional requirements. Potatoes grow well in a wide variety of soils, and soil pH can be as low as 5.0, with best production between 5.5 and 6.8.
Some precautions to take into consideration:

• Potatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soils.
• Soils susceptible to wind erosion or that have a poor water-holding capacity should be avoided.
• High temperatures or insufficient moisture in the late spring and early summer while the potato tubers are forming reduces yield.
• Potato crop has a high requirement on phosphorus.
• Too much nitrogen can be detrimental and decrease tuber quality, grade and yield and slow down maturity.

The complementary foliar fertilization strategies with products based on seaweed extract improve the yield. Potassium and magnesium foliar supplements in the second period of the cycle are a positive strategy in achieving a better yield and a more uniform harvest. The potato is relatively well able to absorb nutrients via the leaf application. Especially in dry conditions, light soils and in situations with high nutrient requirements, fertilization via the leaf with micronutrients is advisable.
Fertilizer management with the full range of high quality COMPO EXPERT fertilizers in fertigation, e.g. NovaTec^® Solub range, Hakaphos^® water soluble feritlizers and liquid fertilizers Basfoliar^®, ensures the optimum and precise supply of nutrients. COMPO EXPERT also offers a product range of granules and fine granules.