Potatoes

Many successful potato growers are already applying YaraLiva™, Tropicote™ or CN-9® during tuber bulking as a regular part of their fertility program. They know that nitrate nitrogen and water soluble calcium are important for optimum crop quality, reduced culls and improved storability.

The potato plant is a shallow-rooted crop with two important growth stages – the vegetative stage and the bulking stage. During the 4-6 weeks of tuber bulking, the potato plant accumulates almost 40% of the total nitrogen it uses all season. This means nitrogen management is critical. Recent research indicates that the peak demand period for both nitrogen and calcium occurs during bulking. This makes YaraLiva™ calcium nitrate based fertilizers perfect for supplemental application in potato crops as it supplies readily available nitrate nitrogen and soluble calcium.

40% of total nitrogen is used during tuber bulking
Stolon and tuber roots move calcium directly to the tuber
Calcium demand peaks during bulking
Nitrogen and calcium source, rate, and timing determine quality and yield
High pre-plant nitrogen delays crop development

Calcium uptake is rapid during the narrow 4-6 week bulking period. However, only a small amount of water is accumulated. The goal is to bathe the tubers and stolons in soluble calcium. This means to be most effective, calcium must be supplied:

From a soluble source
During bulking
In high concentration
To the tuber/stolon zone
Without ammonium and chloride

YaraLiva™ products meet these requirements and give maximum available calcium within timing and placement recommendations.