The harvest and quality of potatoes depends largely on how well the plants receive and use the nutrients they need. While a seemingly simple plant, the potato is sensitive to nutrient scarcity, soil pH changes and unbalanced fertilization. Effective nutrient monitoring is becoming an important step towards sustainable and cost-effective agriculture.
Role of nutrient monitoring in potato production
Regular monitoring of nitrate (NO₃⁻), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and pH in soil and plant juice allows data-based decisions to be made in fertilisation planning. This helps both prevent nutrient deficiency and avoid over-fertilisation, which can have a negative impact on plant development and the environment.
Main nutritional benefits for potatoes:
- Nitrate (nitrogen): necessary for the development of vegetative mass of the plant and the onset of tuber formation. Excessive amounts can delay the formation of tubers.
- Potassium: contributes to the build-up of starch in tubers, improves disease resistance and drought tolerance, and affects crop quality.
- Calcium: provides strength of cell walls, reduces internal rot and the formation of cavities in tubers, and improves storage capacity.
- pH: affects the availability of nutrients. The optimum pH for potatoes is between 5.5 and 6.5. Too acidic or alkaline soil can interfere with nutrient intake.
Symptoms and possible causes of nutrient deficiency
Insufficient nutrient availability or impaired absorption often leads to visible growth disorders and crop loss. The most common symptoms are summarized below:
- Nitrate deficiency: yellow bottom leaves, slow growth, lower tuber mass. Often associated with leaching or unbalanced fertilization.
- Potassium deficiency: brown or charred leaf tips, weak stems, reduced starch content. Typically in light soils with poor potassium persistence.
- Lack of calcium: tuber inner browning, poor skin quality, higher susceptibility to disease. Overly high magnesium content or low soil calcium reserve can make calcium intake difficult.
- Unsuitable pH: too acidic soil limits calcium and potassium intake, too alkaline – reduces the availability of nitrogen and trace elements.
Method of measurement
Traditional laboratory tests can take days or even weeks, but fast and mobile methods are available today that yield reliable results on the field. HORIBA LAQUAtwin meters can measure nitrate, potassium, calcium and pH directly in soil solution or plant juice.
Advice for nutrient management in potato fields
- It is recommended that nitrogen is used in divided doses, especially at the beginning of the vegetation.
- Potassium levels should be maintained at sufficient levels throughout the growth cycle.
- Calcium-containing fertilisers should be planned in good time, taking into account soil composition.
- PH should be monitored regularly and lime (in acidic soils) or sulphur (alkaline) should be used.
- Both soil and plant tissue tests should preferably be carried out at least several times per season.
Nutrient measurement is not just good practice – it is an essential tool for efficient potato cultivation. Regular and targeted analysis allows:
- improving plant health,
- reduce crop losses,
- adapt fertilisation to real conditions,
- reduce costs and improve profitability in the long term.
Along with precision measuring tools such as HORIBA LAQUAtwin, any grower can introduce data-driven housekeeping, both in small gardens and in large-scale production.
If you want to learn more about nutrient measurement and the most appropriate tools for growing potatoes and other crops, contact us!
