Effect of fertilization level on potato yield for processing under subsurface drip Irrigation

Abstract

The main goal of this research was to establish rationale fertilization level with fully water soluble fertilizers for potatoes grown under drip irrigation. The field trials were established on low calcareous chernozemic soil type. To evaluate number of tubers per plant, average tubers weight, and yield of marketable and A class tubers, as well as dry matter content, moderately late variety Morene was chosen. Four different levels of mineral nutrition were achieved: 1. 64,4 kg N ha-1; 66 kg P2O5 ha-1; 107 kg K2O ha-1; 9,6 kg MgO ha-1; 2. 76,6 kg N ha-1; 66 kgcP2O5 ha-1; 150 kg K2O ha-1; 11,6 kg MgO ha-1; 3. 88,6 kg N ha-1; 66 kg P2O5 ha-1; 193 kg K2O ha-1; 15,6 kg MgO ha-1; 4. 114,6 kg N ha-1; 88 kg P2O5 ha-1; 233 kg K2O ha-1; 17,6 kg MgO ha-1. Among examined levels significant statistical differences were found in total yield, and yield of marketable and A class tubers. As an optimal level in both years, the second level of fertilization was found, with respectively 83,25 t ha-1 and 54,29 t ha-1 of total yield, then 78,35 t ha-1 and 43,00 t ha-1 of marketable tubers and A class tubers yields of 75,20 t ha-1 and 39,99 t ha-1. Increase of nutrition among the third and fourth level, have influenced significant reduction in yields. The decrease of yield in second year, which was influenced by very high air temperatures and low humidity, indicate that for the maximum expression of genetic potential of variety Morene, except balanced crop nutrition it was very important to avoid stress conditions. Dry matter content was not influenced by fertilization level