Nitrogen Uptake Effects on Potato Yield and Quality

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is one of the vital elements for potato production. As well as common synthetic fertilizers, turkey manure compost (TMC) is more commonly used as a source of N for potato production in Minnesota. The aim of this study was to compare traditional N sources and applications (urea broadcast, Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) broadcast, and ESN banded at hilling) to TMC broadcast prior to planting on yield and quality of Russet Burbank in Minnesota. The TMC treatment resulted in a similar marketable yield compared to the urea and ESN treatments. The TMC also increased the percentage of the >170 g tuber yield. French fry color quality was not affected by N treatment in either year. The TMC was a good nitrogen source that is readily available and provides a good sustainable option for potato production. Further work should examine what benefits conventional fertilizer can have when used with TMC.