P for Prairies Potato Production
The weather conditions in the Canadian Prairies this spring have had a big effect on the soil conditions that the crops are now growing in. The late spring saw snowfall in April and May, and continued rainfall led to flooding in Manitoba. Southern Alberta was also wet with 11 inches (27.5 cm) falling in one week. (It was recently reported that the mosquito is now the Provincial bird of Manitoba!).
The soil structure is poorer and nutrient leaching and waterlogging all make the use of foliar fertilisation more essential than ever. In potatoes, applications of foliar phosphorus can be an especially useful compliment to the base and side fertiliser dressings under these conditions.
Research by Phosyn and many other independent organisations clearly shows that potato crops with the highest petiole phosphorus levels during tuber bulking usually have the highest yield potential. The potato plant takes in foliar phosphorus extremely rapidly and it is quickly taken to the tubers where it is needed most. During bulking this phosphorus is used to reinforce the cell wall structure, aid in cell expansion and help the laying down of stable starch - all important factors for processing potatoes where good storage potential and dry matter are required.
Hydrophos provides highly available phosphorus, plus the extra benefit from added potassium and magnesium. When applied during bulking it can increase the production of processing sized tubers.
Trial 1: Hydrophos applied twice at 5 l/ha during early bulking
Trial 2: Hydrophos applied at 10 l/ha during late bulking
Author: Jeff Bereza, Canada
Published: June 2002