Agronomy advice

Foliar nutrition increases potato tuber bulking

Potato tuber bulking can be maximised by optimising crop nutrition to maintain tuber growth rates throughout the important bulking stage.


Foliar nutrition increases potato tuber bulking
Foliar nutrition increases potato tuber bulking

Maintaining a green leaf canopy longer helps increase the tuber size by allowing photosynthesis to continue efficiently so increasing yield. The potato is inherently inefficient at utilising soil nutrients, therefore additional nutrition in the foliar form is an ideal way of getting nutrition into the leaf. 

YaraVita Magphos K applied during bulking increases tuber size

Potatoes are highly responsive to foliar phosphorus, marketable yield and tuber size can be improved. During bulking, roots lose their efficiency and phosphorus from shoots is translocated to tubers so foliar phosphorus maintains leaf phosphorus status extending the bulking period.

To maintain tuber growth during the tuber bulking stage foliar phosphate should be applied where soil supplies aren’t sufficient. Recent trials work carried out by ADAS confirms that foliar phosphate, when applied after tuber initiation, has a positive effect on tuber yields by increasing the tuber size.

Magnesium is an important nutrient at the bulking stage as low levels of magnesium will reduce the starch content of tubers and protein levels that affect the taste of the potatoes once cooked. Dry soils can restrict magnesium uptake; therefore a foliar spray can be very effective. 

YaraVita Magphos K can be applied to increase the tuber size during bulking at a rate of 5 l/ha with upto 2 applications. 

YaraVita Croplift Pro helps maintain an efficient green leaf canopy for longer

A high nitrogen multi-nutrient foliar fertiliser is essential during this stage as it helps maintain green leaf canopy. With the remainder of main nitrogen dressings having been applied at tuber initiation, additional requirements can be applied during bulking through several foliar sprays with applications of YaraVita Croplif Pro.

YaraVita Croplift Pro can be applied at a rate of 2.5 to 5.0 kg/ha. Repeat at 10 to 14 day intervals as necessary.

Widely tank-mixable with blight sprays

YaraVita Magphos K and YaraVita Croplift Pro are widely tank-mixable with blight sprays so there is no need for a separate application. Further details of tank-mixabilty can be found via TankmixIT  app or at www.tankmix.com

Recommended foliar fertilisers for potatoes

The following fertilisers are recommended for foliar application to potatoes during bulking.

YaraVita MAGPHOS K
A liquid fertiliser containing a high concentration of phosphate together with potash and magnesium for foliar application to potatoes and other crops.
YaraVita CROPLIFT PRO
A foliar fertiliser containing multiple nutrients and micronutrients for foliar application to a wide range of crops during times of stress or periods of rapid growth.
YaraVita SENIPHOS
A liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing high concentrations of phosphate and calcium for foliar application to improve yield and quality in fruit and potatoes.
All fertiliser choices

Potato agronomy advice

Farmer on a potato field
Establishing potatoes successfully
As with any other crop, good nutrition is key to securing a healthy potato crop, one that will return good yield and high quality and ultimately achieve a better profit margin for you.
Agronomy Advice - Is your potato quality being let down by a lack of calcium?
Is your potato quality being let down by a lack of calcium?
Calcium is a vital nutrient for potatoes and most aspects of tuber quality can be improved by having a sufficient supply of calcium during growth.
Agronomy Advice - Increase potato yield with better phosphate management
Increase potato yields with better phosphate management
Ensuring sufficient phosphate is available for early development is critical in potatoes so perhaps it is time for a re-think about phosphate management.
See all agronomy advice

More information on potato yield issues

How to increase potato yield
How to increase potato yield
The two key yield components of potato are tuber numbers per unit area, and tuber size or weight. Increased yields come from achieving the optimum tuber numbers, maintaining a green leaf canopy, and increasing tuber size and weight.
How to increase potato tuber size
How to increase potato tuber size
Tuber size and uniformity is critical for every market, whether it is fresh potatoes, seed or processing crops. Anything that the grower can do to prolong a healthy leaf canopy will increase the average tuber size.
How to influence potato tuber numbers
How to influence potato tuber numbers
The numbers of potato tubers produced by each potato plant is influenced by agronomy and varietal potential. The nutrients phosphate, potassium, and calcium all influence tuber number.

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