What to Feed Potatoes With at Planting
· Valerii Korolko · 6 min read
Why feed potatoes at planting
In the early stages of growth, potatoes form roots and lay down the future tubers. If the plant lacks nutrients, it will be weak, unable to resist diseases and will not give a full harvest. Feeding is a kind of investment in yield. Timely application of mineral fertilisers for potatoes affects not only the quantity but also the quality of the tubers: they will be larger, tastier and keep better.
The main substances that influence tuber formation and the development of the plant are phosphorus, potassium and a little nitrogen. Phosphorus stimulates the development of the root system, potassium is responsible for starch accumulation and strengthens immunity, and nitrogen is needed for foliage growth, but only in small doses. How strong the plant is throughout the whole season depends on a correct start.
Mineral fertilisers for potatoes at planting
To choose the best fertiliser for potatoes, it is important to know which minerals matter most right at the start. According to the experience of gardeners and agronomists, the following are especially needed at planting:
- Phosphorus – activates the formation of roots and tubers.
- Potassium – improves the quality and keeping properties of potatoes and protects against diseases.
- Nitrogen – supports foliage growth, but harms in excess.
Which fertilisers to apply for potatoes at planting:
- Superphosphate – a phosphorus fertiliser that is readily absorbed by plants.
- Potassium sulphate – a chlorine-free potassium fertiliser (unlike potassium salt), which is important for potatoes.
- Nitroammophoska – a complex fertiliser (nitrogen + phosphorus + potassium), an excellent option for beginners.
- Azofoska – an analogue of nitroammophoska, often containing microelements.
There are several ways to apply mineral fertilisers. Ready-made fertiliser mixes for potatoes are also available. They already contain a balanced composition and make life easier for beginners. Such mixes are also among the best fertilisers for potatoes if you want to avoid unnecessary calculations.
First of all, find out your soil type (acidic, neutral, sandy, clayey):
- On sandy soils – more potassium and slightly more frequent feeding.
- On acidic soils – do not use fertilisers containing chlorine, and it is better to apply dolomite flour in autumn.
All MAP, DAP, MKP and NOP fertilisers produced by Prayon are high-quality water-soluble products that are applied exclusively as a solution. That is, dissolve in water and apply via:
- Fertigation (drip irrigation),
- Watering at the root from a watering can or hose,
- Foliar spraying onto the leaf.
These fertilisers are of high purity, contain no chlorine, do not salinise the soil, and thanks to their soluble form they are instantly available to the plant. Below is a short guide on what and when to feed potatoes with if we use only Prayon aqueous solutions:
Purpose: stimulation of the root system in the early stages; provides phosphorus and a little nitrogen.
When: 7–10 days after emergence; can be repeated after 10–14 days.
Purpose: additional phosphorus-nitrogen feeding when growth of green mass is needed.
When: after rooting, before the start of budding.
Attention!
- Do not use DAP in concentrated form or during droughts – ammonia can burn the roots.
- Do not apply to the leaf – the pH is high and burns are possible.
Purpose: enhanced tuber formation and improved quality: starch, keeping properties, size.
When: the beginning and middle of tuber filling (2 weeks after flowering).
Purpose: to add strength during tuber formation, improve flavour and structure, and reduce disease.
When: budding + tuber filling, repeat after 10–14 days.
All Prayon fertilisers are liquid-application tools, and they must not be used in dry form. Solution only: then the substances are absorbed immediately, do not accumulate in the soil and do not burn the roots.
Remember: MAP and DAP are for the start and growth; MKP and NOP are for yield and quality. Together they cover all the potato's nutrient needs throughout the season.
Organic fertiliser for potatoes
Organic fertiliser for potatoes is natural nutrition that not only supplies nutrients but also improves soil structure, stimulates microflora and helps retain moisture. For many farmers it is an indispensable basis of feeding, especially on their own plots without chemicals. But it is important to know which organic fertiliser is best for potatoes, how to apply it correctly and avoid causing harm.
The best organic fertilisers for potatoes:
- Well-rotted manure (cow, horse): applied in autumn when digging over or in spring – in very measured amounts. Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements. Never put fresh manure into the planting hole! It can burn the tuber and cause diseases.
- Humus (leaf mould): this is manure that has fully turned into a dark, crumbly mass. A gentle and safe organic fertiliser. It can be mixed with mineral fertilisers (for example, superphosphate).
- Compost: homemade compost made from plant residues, kitchen waste and cut grass. Contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and stimulates soil life.
- Wood ash: very valuable for potatoes: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, microelements. Do not mix with nitrogen fertilisers at the same time (for example, urea), because nitrogen is lost.
- Bird droppings (chicken, pigeon): very concentrated, so only as a solution!
Bonus – green manures
Although it is not a fertiliser in the strict sense, green manures are a really great organic feed. For example, mustard, lupin and phacelia – they are sown in autumn or early spring and then ploughed into the soil. They enrich the soil with nitrogen and improve its structure.
Common mistakes when feeding potatoes
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to harm the future harvest. Here are the mistakes that are best avoided:
🔸 Overdosing. People often think: "the more, the better". But an excess of fertiliser causes root burns and upsets the balance of growth. Too much nitrogen – and the plant produces lush tops, but hardly any tubers.
🔸 Applying fresh manure. Although this is organic matter, it is worth mentioning. Fresh manure at planting is taboo. It can "burn" the tuber, and also cause the development of diseases, pests and even rotting.
🔸 Uneven application. Fertiliser must be given equally to each plant. If one hole gets a lot and another nothing, you will get uneven plants and a harvest that is "hit or miss".
🔸 Ignoring soil composition. Soil differs across the regions of Ukraine. Where the soil is acidic, there may be problems with phosphorus uptake. Where it is sandy, nutrients are quickly washed out. You need to have the soil analysed, or at least find out what is characteristic of your plot.
If you are a beginner and do not know which fertiliser is best for potatoes, start simple: use a ready-made potato mix, in measured amounts, without fanaticism. This is a reliable option that is easy to use and really works. Remember: what to fertilise potatoes with at planting is no less important than the planting method itself. A good start is already half of the harvest! And high-quality mineral fertilisers from Prayon are a guarantee of the best result!
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