Abstract
Four forms of potassium fertilizer: bicarbonate; sulphate; and chloride with and without potassium-magnesium sulphate, were tested on potatoes in Vien Sand (Lotbinière, Quebec) at four rates: 0, 56, 112 and 168 kg/ha during the period 1965–1967. Yield and quality studies were supplemented by chemical analysis of the soil at the end of the experiment. The experiments were repeated in the greenhouse in the autumn of 1968, accompanied in this case by foliage analysis.
The introduction of potassium bicarbonate as a fertilizer for potatoes on many soils of Eastern Quebec is proposed. In wet seasons this form leads to higher yields than potassium chloride with or without potassium-magnesium sulphate. It is more effective in small applications; tends to produce paler chips than other forms of potassium, at normal rates; and does not appear to need addition of magnesium. This research also reveals the great potassium and magnesium-releasing capacity of Vien sand. In view of this a moderate application of the preferred form of bicarbonate at the rate of 100 to 125 kg/ha is recommended. Being soluble and free from chlorine, the bicarbonate might be useful in foliar fertilization.
Resumen
Se han experimentado cuatro clases de abonos potásicos: el bicarbonato, el sulfato y el cloruro, con y sin sulfato magnésico de potasa, en dosis de 0, 56, 112 y 168 kg/ha, en los cultivos de patatas, en la arena Vien (Lotbinière) desde 1965 hasta 1967. Además de estudiar el rendimiento y la calidad de la cosecha, al finalizar el experimento de 1967, se hizo el análisis del suelo. Las experiencias fueron repetidas en invernadero, en el otoño de 1968 y terminaron con el análisis del suelo y de las plantas.
Los resultados sugieren la introducción del bicarbonato de potasio (KHCO3) como fertilizante en el cultivo de las patatas, en varios suelos del este de la región de Québec. Esta forma produce mejores rendimientos que el cloruro y que el sulfato y sobrepasa aún al cloruro con SPM durante las estaciones húmedas. Es mas eficaz en dosis pequeñas: contribuye, en dosis moderadas, a mejorar la calidad de la produccióne de tubérculos y no requiere compositivos magnésicos en condiciones ordinarias de explotación.
Siendo soluble y no conteniendo cloro, el bicarbonato sería de mucha utilidad en la fertilización foliar. Estos trabajos demuestran además el “poder alimentacio” de bastante importancia, de la arena Vien, en potadio y en magnesio.
La dosis de potasio recomendada es de 100 a 125 kg/ha, preferiblemente en forma de bicarbonato.
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Contribution No. 106 from Service de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement, Ministère de l’Agriculture du Québec, Québec 4, Canada.
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Chamberland, E. Bicarbonate of potassium, a new fertilizer for potatoes. American Potato Journal 47, 294–303 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02863005
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02863005