Effect of sulfate and chloride sources and rates of potassium on potato growth and tuber quality

Summary

The growth of potatoes was studied when grown with different rates of potassium, as sulfate and chloride fertilizer applied broadcast at planting time.

Tissue samples at prebloom stage showed no difference in P composition due to treatment in 1959 and 1960. However, samples collected at time of tuber development in 1960 showed reduction of P concentration as K fertilizer rate increased. Per cent K was increased in the tissue and Ca and Mg was decreased by increased K fertilizer rates. Only per cent Ca and Mg was affected by anion source of fertilizer and were higher on the C1 fertilizer treatments.

In 1960, potato yields were increased by K fertilization. Specific gravity was lower on the Cl treatments. Chip color was very dark for the zero potassium treatments, while higher rates of K resulted in lighter color chips. The high KCl treatment produced the lightest colored and most acceptable potato chips.