Potato grows most efficiently in deep, fertile soils of medium to light mechanical composition that are enriched with organic matter and feature good drainage and adequate ventilation. Cohesive soils deliver lower quality production with poorly shaped and small tubers. In sandy, poor soils, an early production can only be achieved when an enhanced fertilization treatment is applied. Regarding soil reaction, potato adapts without any particular problems to a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5 with a preference for the 6-6.5 zone. It is often sensitive to increased salinity of soil and irrigation water.

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for potato crop. It contributes to plant vigor, promotes productivity and the protein content of tubers. The total amount of nitrogen required for the yield of 4.5-6 tonnes of potatoes is estimated at 15-20 kg per stremma. Of this amount, 50% is provided during the basic urate fertilization before the crop is established and during the preparation of the field or at planting. The remaining nitrogen is applied in nitrate form on the surface in two doses. The first application takes place during the planting period and the second during the tuber development period.

Phosphorus helps the development of the root system, the resistance of plants to adverse weather conditions, increases the thickness of the peel and prolongs the post-harvest shelf life of the product. It also causes an increase in the number and weight of tubers. All the phosphorus is provided by incorporation during the basal fertilization, at a rate of 12-15 kg per stremma during field preparation.

Potassium is an indispensable element for potatoes as it increases production and improves the quality characteristics of the crop. It participates in the formation of carbohydrates and favors their transition from the leaves to the tuber, In addition, it increases the weight of the tubers and by improving their quality characteristics, it favors the mechanical reinforcement of the plant skeleton, reduces transpiration and increases resistance to drought and storage. 80% of the potassium is applied during the basal fertilization of the crop and the remaining 20% during the surface fertilization at a total dosage of 20-30 kg per stremma. It is necessary to apply potassium sulphate to avoid the undesirable effects of chlorine.

The presence of sufficient amounts of magnesium in the potato crop is considered a necessary factor, as magnesium promotes photosynthetic activity and is essential for the transport of sugars to the tubers. The amount of magnesium 3-5 kg per stremma is considered necessary for the proper functioning of the potato plant. Magnesium is applied during the basal fertilization only in the form of potassium magnesium sulphate.

Our Suggestions

Basic fertilisation

Fertilizer type	Dosology
0-0-50	25-40
20-10-20	80-100
12-12-17+2MgO+ΤΕ	100-150
15-15-15	100-120
15-15-20	100-120

Surface fertilisation

Fertilizer type	Dosology
40-0-0	25-40
21-0-0	25-50
27-0-0	25-50
34,4-0-0	40-60
33-0-0+31SO3	40-60
0-0-30+10Mg	40-60