The potato plant has a poorly developed root system. Fertilizer is therefore applied mainly in the planting furrows at the time of planting. It should preferably be placed at the same vel as, or under the seed tubers. If planters are used it is recommended they be equipped with a bin for fertiliser application.
Phosphorus (P) is an important component of all plant cells, if very high amounts are required it can be : (phosphorus fertiliser)
1.Can be broadcasted and incorporated into the topsoil.
2.Then the rest can be applied in the planting furrows along with nitrogen and potassium
3.Top dressing can be applied on either side of the plant after which the rows are ridged and irrigated.
4.It can be applied through the irrigation water.
5.Micro nutrients/ elements can be applied if necessary as foliar sprays.
Fertiliser granules or liquids must be washed from plant foliage as soon as possible to avoid burning the foliage.
Some types of fertiliser such as potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate are more likely to result in fertliser burn due to its high salt index.Where large quantities of nitrogen have to be applied, it is preferable to divide the total amount into a number of separate top dressing applications .