Introduction: Why a Fertilizer Plan for Potato Matters
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in Pakistan and globally, cultivated on millions of acres. The yield potential of potato depends greatly on the fertilizer plan followed during the crop cycle. Farmers often struggle with nutrient deficiencies, soil imbalance, and fertilizer mismanagement, which limits production. In this article, we discuss the most advanced fertilizer plan of potato, backed by scientific research and field practices in Pakistan.
Importance of Fertilizer in Potato Production
Potato is a nutrient-hungry crop due to its shallow root system and short growing season. To achieve maximum yields, farmers must apply balanced fertilizers at the right time and in the right form. Fertilizer use not only improves yield but also enhances tuber quality, storability, and market price.
Read more about Potato in Pakistan
FAO – Sustainable Soil Management
Soil Preparation and Fertilizer Application
1. Soil Testing and Preparation
Before planting, conduct a soil test to evaluate organic matter, pH, and nutrient status. Ideal pH for potato ranges between 5.5 to 6.5. Acidic soils require lime, while alkaline soils need sulfur or organic matter to reduce pH.
2. Organic Matter Incorporation
- Apply farmyard manure (FYM) at 15–20 tons per acre before final land preparation.
- Compost and green manure help improve soil structure and microbial activity.
Nutrient Requirement of Potato Crop
The nutrient demand of potato is very high compared to cereals. On average, per acre, the crop removes:
- Nitrogen (N): 100–130 kg
- Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 80–100 kg
- Potassium (K₂O): 150–200 kg
- Sulfur (S): 15–20 kg
- Magnesium (Mg): 10–15 kg
Advanced Fertilizer Plan of Potato
1. Basal Dose (Before Planting)
- DAP (Diammonium Phosphate): 2 bags per acre
- SOP (Sulphate of Potash): 1 bag per acre
- FYM: 15–20 tons
This ensures strong root development and early tuber initiation.
2. At Planting (Ridge Formation)
- Nitrophos: 1–2 bags per acre
- Gypsum: 10–12 kg per acre (improves calcium and sulfur supply)
3. Top Dressing (After Germination, 25–30 Days)
- Urea: 1 bag per acre
- Potash (MOP/SOP): ½ bag per acre
4. Mid-Growth Stage (45–50 Days)
- Urea: 1 bag per acre
- Calcium Nitrate: 10–12 kg per acre
5. Foliar Sprays
- Micronutrients: Zinc, Boron, and Magnesium sprays every 15–20 days
- Seaweed Extracts: Improve tuber bulking and stress resistance
International Potato Center (CIP) for potato nutrient research.
Role of Key Nutrients in Potato Production
Nitrogen (N)
- Promotes leaf development and canopy growth
- Excess nitrogen delays tuberization, so split doses are recommended
Phosphorus (P)
- Stimulates root growth and improves tuber size
- Enhances early maturity
Potassium (K)
- Increases tuber dry matter and storability
- Improves resistance against diseases like blight
Secondary & Micronutrients
- Sulfur: Improves starch content
- Magnesium: Supports chlorophyll formation
- Boron & Zinc: Prevent tuber deformities and cracking
Fertilizer Plan by Growth Stage
| Growth Stage | Fertilizers (Per Acre) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Planting | FYM 15–20 tons + DAP 2 bags + SOP 1 bag | Soil fertility & root establishment |
| Planting Stage | Nitrophos 1 bag + Gypsum 10 kg | Root & early growth support |
| 25–30 Days (Top Dress) | Urea 1 bag + SOP ½ bag | Canopy development & tuber initiation |
| 45–50 Days | Urea 1 bag + Calcium Nitrate 10–12 kg | Tuber bulking & quality improvement |
| Foliar Sprays | Zinc, Boron, Mg, Seaweed Extracts | Correct deficiencies & boost yield |
Modern Technologies in Fertilizer Use
Drip Fertigation
Drip irrigation with soluble fertilizers ensures uniform nutrient supply and reduces wastage.
Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRF)
Slow-release fertilizers minimize losses and ensure continuous nutrient supply.
Biofertilizers
Using Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) improves nutrient uptake naturally.
ICAR Potato Research Institute
Variety-Wise Fertilizer Requirement for Potato (per acre)
| Variety | Nitrogen (N) kg/acre | Phosphorus (P₂O₅) kg/acre | Potassium (K₂O) kg/acre | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esme | 100–110 | 70–80 | 120–130 | Balanced NPK ensures uniform tuber size and high market acceptability. |
| Santa | 90–100 | 60–70 | 100–110 | Moderate fertilizer demand, performs well in medium fertile soils. |
| Lady Rosetta (LR) | 100–120 | 80–90 | 130–140 | High K requirement due to processing quality (chips/crisps). |
| Asterix | 110–120 | 70–80 | 140–150 | Needs high K for fry color, excellent for French fries industry. |
| Hermes | 100–110 | 80–90 | 130–140 | High dry matter; balanced fertilization ensures better crisping quality. |
| Alverstone | 90–100 | 60–70 | 100–110 | Lower nutrient demand, suitable for fresh market potatoes. |
| Mozika | 110–120 | 80–90 | 140–150 | Needs more potassium for tuber bulking; good for industrial use. |
| Red Bullet | 100–110 | 70–80 | 120–130 | Uniform size with balanced fertilizer; needs K for skin finish. |
| Adison | 105–115 | 70–80 | 125–135 | Good yield with proper NPK ratio; sensitive to excess nitrogen. |
Common Mistakes in Potato Fertilizer Management
- Overuse of urea, which delays maturity and lowers quality
- Ignoring micronutrient sprays, leading to poor tuber size
- Not applying potash, which reduces tuber dry matter
Best Practices for Pakistani Farmers
- Always test soil before finalizing fertilizer doses.
- Use a balanced NPK ratio of 1:0.8:1.5 for optimum yield.
- Ensure proper irrigation during top dressing to avoid fertilizer burns.
- Integrate organic manures with chemical fertilizers.
- Adopt precision agriculture tools for fertilizer efficiency.
Note:
- Micronutrients like Zinc (Zn 5–10 kg/acre), Boron (B 1–2 kg/acre), and Magnesium (Mg 10–15 kg/acre) are essential for better tuber development.
- Split applications of Nitrogen (N) (at planting, earthing up, and tuber bulking) are recommended.
- Always adjust doses according to soil test results and local conditions.
Conclusion
The most advanced fertilizer plan of potato in 2025 combines soil testing, organic matter, balanced NPK application, micronutrient sprays, and modern fertigation technologies. By following this plan, farmers in Pakistan can achieve higher yields (20–25 tons per acre), improve tuber quality, and enhance storage life. The future of potato farming lies in precision fertilizer use supported by research and technology.