Nutrient Management

Abstract

Crops providing food, fuel, and fiber for a growing world population require nutrients. Plants growing in the wild get these naturally from minerals breaking down into soil, decomposition of dead organisms, and air and water deposition. This process of nutrient cycling is a key component of agricultural production systems as well, but is inadequate to efficiently provide for the rapidly increasing world population. Modern crops produce biomass and harvestable yields at a substantially higher level than their wild relatives. Harvesting removes nutrients from soil as the crops are transported from the field. Without proper nutrient management, the soils eventually become infertile. Therefore, fertilization is essential for maintaining an adequate food supply. Efficient potato nutrient management systems ensure essential plant nutrients are available at the right rates, timing, and placement to provide for optimal growth. Nutrient deficiencies potentially reduce yield and tuber quality, but excessive applications can also reduce yield and quality, as well as cause unnecessary expense and increase the risk of air and water pollution. To optimize these considerations, potato growers must understand nutrient: (1) needs and uptake patterns, (2) availability factors, (3) assessment practices, and (4) management practices.