Abstract
Monopotassium phosphate (MKP) is a potential option for fertigating phosphorus (P) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) when petioles are low in P and high in nitrogen (N); which is a situation where using ammonium polyphosphate (APP) could potentially result in excessive N application. Fertilizer trials were conducted in 2004–2006 with 0 or 56 kg P2O5 ha−1 fertigated as either APP or MKP as a supplement to the pre-plant P (112 or 224 kg P2O5 ha−1) broadcast applied to all plots. Supplemental P fertigation increased petiole P concentration, US No. 1 yield, and total yield over the control not receiving any in-season P fertilizer regardless of source. In addition, MKP increased tuber specific gravity. These results support previous studies showing that fertigated P can be used to increase potato yields when petiole P concentrations are low and that MKP is a viable substitute for APP fertilizer when fertigation is necessary.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Funding for this research was partially provided by the Idaho Potato Commission. Field scouting was provided by Ray Hollist (Hollist Crop Consulting, Shelley, ID, USA).