Fertilizer injury to potatoes as affected by fertilizer source,rate and placement

To investigate fertilizer injury to potatoes under field conditions, a three year study from 1979 to 1981 was undertaken in Central New York. The study was carried out on a well drained Howard gravelly silt loam; pH 6.6–6.8 with high organic matter (6.1–6.4%) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 13.4–14.9. When applied at a normal rate equivalent to 1,685 kg/ha of 10-15–15-1.2 the blended fertilizer containing urea N did not significantly reduce the tuber yield compared to ammoniated fertilizer and blended fertilizer containing ammonium nitrate (AN). However, when it was placed in contact with the seedpiece, the urea delayed emergence and early growth of the plant. Fertilizers containing urea-diammonium phosphate (DAP) and ureatriple superphosphate (TSP), applied at higher than normal rates and placed in contact with the seedpiece, significantly delayed emergence and reduced tuber yield.