Environmentally Responsible Potato Production Systems: A Review

ABSTRACT

More than 500,000 hectares of land is planted to potato crop each year in the United States. Intensive nutrient-management practices for potato cultivation have led to increased concerns about nitrate leaching in these soils. Studies on nitrogen (N) uptake characteristics of potato roots have shown that N fertilizers are applied in excess of the optimal rate for maximum yield. This paper discusses all current and relevant research on nutrient and water management issues that have lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency for successful potato production and minimized groundwater impacts. Specific topics within the nutrient-management section include mineral fertilizers, nutritional requirements, N uptake and the root system, slow and controlled-release fertilizers, organic sources of nutrients, and nitrification inhibitors. Research on alternate methods of irrigation currently in use and available for potato production is discussed. Application of prediction models to optimize all the components for sustaining both economical and environmental goals is also discussed, with an emphasis on the immediate need for linking nutrient management traditionally aimed at crop yields with the preservation of water quality in all future research programs.

Keywords:

• nutrient management
• potato production
• water management
• water
• quality

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and approved for publication as Journal Series No. R-09840.