Potato Fertilizers - The Best Solutions for a Bountiful Harvest
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Potato Fertilizers: The Best Solutions for a Bountiful Harvest
Potatoes are one of the most popular crops in Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. To get a rich and high-quality harvest, it is important to choose and use fertilizers correctly at all stages of plant growth. In this article, we will consider which fertilizers are best suited for potatoes and how to use them correctly.
The Importance of Fertilizers for Potatoes
Potatoes need a lot of nutrients to form tubers. The main elements for their growth are:
- Nitrogen - for the formation of green mass.
- Phosphorus - for root development and tuber formation.
- Potassium - to increase plant resistance to diseases and improve the quality of tubers.
The best fertilizers for potatoes
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Ammonium nitrate
- Nitrogen fertilizer that helps the plant actively build up green mass. It is recommended to use it at the beginning of the growing season, but it is important not to exceed the dosage, as excess nitrogen can negatively affect the quality of the tubers.
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Ammonium sulfate
- A fertilizer containing nitrogen and sulfur, making it an excellent choice for potatoes. You can order ammonium sulfate right now. Sulfur helps better absorb nitrogen and improves the taste of potatoes. Ammonium sulfate can be used both at the initial and late stages of plant growth.
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Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers
- To form large tubers and increase resistance to diseases, potatoes need phosphorus and potassium. Monopotassium phosphate or superphosphate are excellent choices for improving crop quality.
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Organic fertilizers
- Humus , compost or chicken manure are natural sources of nutrition for potatoes. They decompose slowly, nourishing the soil for a long time. Organic fertilizers help improve the soil structure and provide plants with all the necessary nutrients.
When and how to apply fertilizers to potatoes?
- Spring : Before planting potatoes, it is recommended to add organic fertilizers (humus, compost) or mineral complexes to improve the soil structure and saturate it with nutrients.
- During the growing season : Nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate are best applied early in the plant's growth. Phosphorus and potassium should be added toward midseason to stimulate tuber growth.
- Fertilizing during the season : It is important to regularly check the condition of the plants and add mineral fertilizers if necessary, especially if the leaves are turning pale or the yield is decreasing. Check out the full range of fertilizers for potatoes in our shop .
Potato Care Tips
- Soil acidity control : Potatoes like slightly acidic or neutral soil, so before planting it is recommended to conduct a soil analysis and, if necessary, add dolomite flour or ash to neutralize the acidity.
- Crop rotation : It is not recommended to plant potatoes in the same place for several years in a row. This can lead to soil depletion and accumulation of diseases. It is better to alternate potatoes with other crops, such as legumes or cereals.