Elementos nutritivos a tener en cuenta para el manejo de la fertilización en el cultivo de la papa común.

Abstract

The common potato requires large amounts of primary macronutrients that are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Most of the nitrogen uptake by the plant occurs before the period of maximum growth and development of the tuber, therefore More than 50% is consumed before tuber maturity, requiring 2.56 kg of N, 0.47 kg of P and 4.0 kg of K per ton obtained, so it is expected to produce 60 t/ha. The N, P, K needs would be of 153.28 and 240 Kg ha respectively (2.56×60, 0 47x60,4.0x60). In addition, it requires the application of secondary macronutrients such as Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (C) and Sulfur (S), key in plant metabolism. Micronutrients should also be applied in less quantities (Fe, MN, B, Zn, Cu, Mo). these are generally acquired from the soil solution by the root system. For adequate nutrition and to avoid mineral toxicities, concentrations of these elements in plant tissues must be kept within certain limits. Often, the soil solution lacks sufficient mineral elements for optimum plant growth and to achieve maximum tuber yields, fertilizers are added to the soil. In the common potato crop there is no single optimal fertilizer dose, therefore, each farmer must calculate his own fertilization rate, according to different factors among them; soil, climate and expected yields.