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Greenhouse study of early potato growth response to soil temperature, bulk density and nitrogen fertilizer

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Summary

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of soil temperature (10.0. 12.8, 15.6, 17.2, 17.8, 19.4, and 21.1 C), soil compaction (1.00, 1.15, and 1.20 g/cm3), and nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120, and 240 lbs/acre-ft) on emergence and growth of Russet Burbank potatoes.

Both soil temperature and compaction affected emergence. At 12.8 C and a soil bulk density of 1.20, plant emergence was delayed as much as 2 weeks as compared with that at 21.1 C and a soil bulk density of 1.00. Following emergence the rate of elongation of the delayed plants was accelerated sufficiently that differences in plant height were not apparent at termination of the experiments. However, vigor and growth were greatly impaired.

Nitrogen fertilizer enhanced top and root growth but tended to reduce the number of tubers per plant and their weight, especially at the higher rates. Also, at the lower temperatures and higher bulk densities nitrogen tended to delay plant emergence.

Apparently, mechanical impedance to roots because of soil compaction had a modifying effect on root development, which in turn restricted plant growth.

Resumen

Se llevó a cabo un estudio de invernadero para determinar el efecto de la temperature del suelo (10.0, 12.8, 15.6, 17.2, 17.8, 19.4 y 21.1 °C), compactación del suelo (1.00, 1.15 y 1.20 g/cm3) y abonamiento con nitrógeno (0, 60, 120, y 240 libras acre-piés) sobre el brote y crecimiento de papas Russet Burbank.

Tanto la temperatura como la compactación del suelo influenciaron el brote. A la temperatura de 12.8° C y densidad sel suelo de 1.20, el mrote de plantas se retrasó hasta 2 semanas en comparación con el brote a la temperatura de 21.1 ° C y densidad de suelo de 1.00. Después del brote la tasa de elongation de las plantas retrasadas se aceleró de tal manera que no se pudo observar diferencia alguna en la altura de las plantas al terminar el experimento.

El abono de nitrógeno promovió el crecimiento de las matas y de las raices pero tendió a reducir el número de tubérculos por planta y también su peso, especialmente cuando la proportión de nitrógeno era muy alta. También, cuando las temperaturas eran más bajas y la densidad del suelo era más alta, el nitrógeno tendia a retardar el brote de las plantas.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canada Department of Agriculture, Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta

    Theron G. Sommerfeldt (Former Assistant Soil Scientist, Soil Scientist)

  2. Colorado State University, 80521, Fort Collins, Colorado

    Kenneth W. Knutson (Former Assistant Plant Pathologist, Potato Improvement Specialist)

Authors
  1. Theron G. Sommerfeldt
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  2. Kenneth W. Knutson
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Additional information

Contribution from the Department of Agricultural Biochemistry and Soils and the Department of Plant Science, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Idaho, Aberdeen, Idaho, and approved as Research Paper No. 736.

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Sommerfeldt, T.G., Knutson, K.W. Greenhouse study of early potato growth response to soil temperature, bulk density and nitrogen fertilizer. American Potato Journal 45, 231–237 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02849915

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02849915

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