Let's ensure a good start for the Potato
Technical Recommendation for October
Part 2
After the installation and vegetative development, the
strategy in potato cultivation changes priority.
With the onset of tuberization, the management of the crop must follow the formation and filling of the tubers, without losing sight of the water balance, nutrient availability, and the plant's response to stress situations.
In this second part of the Hubel Verde Recommendation from October, Francisco Barradas, regional coordinator of the Ribatejo, Oeste and Setúbal Peninsula and technical-commercial consultant of Hubel Verde, focuses on the decisions that accompany this phase of the cycle.
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Thermal and water stress: always anticipate when possible
High temperatures, water deficit, and salinity can compromise the productive potential of potatoes.
The Vegetal B60, rich in organic matter of plant origin, amino acids, and glycine-betaine, can be used as support in stress situations. Glycine-betaine acts as an osmoprotectant and helps to preserve cellular integrity and the physiological functioning of the plant in adverse conditions.
The Dalgin Active, based on extract from Ascophyllum nodosum, can complement this strategy before heat periods, during tuberization, or after situations of physiological stress.
For Francisco Barradas “the application should be carried out preventively whenever possible, instead of waiting for stress to cause significant damage to the crop.”
Tuberization: a change of priority
The onset of tuberization marks an important change in the management of the crop.
The priority gradually shifts from the formation of vegetative mass to the development of tubers and the transfer of photoassimilates.
At this stage, it is important to avoid excess nitrogen and ensure a balanced availability of the remaining nutrients.
Potassium and tuber filling
Among the nutrients with the greatest relevance at this stage, potassium assumes particular importance in filling, in water balance, and in the quality of the tubers.
The Super K can be integrated as a potassium boost, always according to the needs identified in the crop and the indications of the respective technical sheet.
“The goal should not simply be to increase the amount of potassium applied, but to ensure that potassium is available at the moment when the crop has the greatest capacity to utilize it.”
Fertilization should follow the cycle
As the crop evolves, its needs also change. The strategy should follow this change and avoid both shortages and inappropriate applications at the moment.
“The localized application of nutrients and the fractionation of fertilization throughout the cycle are particularly important to avoid losses and maintain the availability of nutrients at the times of greatest need for the crop.”
In practice, this implies crossing soil and water analyses, state of the crop, water availability, and phase of the cycle before adjusting the fertilization.
From the beginning of tuberization to harvest
Water management, anticipating stress, and
providing nutrients at times of greatest need become, therefore, parts of the same strategy.
If you need support in applying these recommendations in your farm, the Hubel Verde team is available to assist in the field and adjust the strategy to your specific
production context.
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Do you have a question or need support for your crop? Send us your request and we will get in touch.
