Effects of Soil Fertility on Potato Plant Development in the Matanuska Valley

Abstract

Nutrient uptake and physiological development in potato plants have been investigated in major potato growing regions, but comparable studies have not been conducted in high latitude areas such as the potato producing sections of southcentral Alaska. Knowledge of plant development and nutrient partitioning among various plant parts is important both in terms of general understanding of the growth habits of potatoes in a unique environment and for improved management of field production of this crop. Nutrient response data provide a basis for fertilizer application recommendations. A field study designed to define potato plant development under various fertility regimes was initiated in 1989. Potato plants were intensively sampled through the growing season to determine the effects of nutrient availability on growth processes, to measure growth rates of various plant parts, and to determine the fate of nutrients absorbed by the plant. The results of the effects of soil fertility on potato plant development are presented in this report. Nutrient uptake and partitioning data will be compiled in later publications when laboratory analyses are complete.