Fostering Sustainable Potato Prod: Enhancing Quality & Yield via Potassium & Boron Applications

Abstract

Boron deficiency significantly limits potato yield and quality in alkaline soils. This study investigated the impact of potassium and boron applications on potato yield and quality in boron-deficient alkaline soils, crucial aspects of sustainable potato farming. We evaluated the effects of soil and foliar applications of various potassium (silicate, alginate, citrate, sulfate) and nano-boron sources on potato growth, yield, and tuber quality. Two field trials, conducted over two growing seasons, demonstrated that foliar application of potassium silicate significantly enhanced potato yield and quality parameters, including tuber number, total yield, boron content, vitamin C content, and specific gravity. Foliar nano-boron application also significantly improved growth and yield compared to the control and soil-applied boron. The combination of foliar potassium silicate and nano-boron yielded the most superior results. Potassium silicate outperformed other potassium sources. These findings highlight the importance of foliar application for optimizing potassium fertilization and mitigating boron deficiency, promoting agricultural sustainability in alkaline soil conditions characteristic of many potato farming regions. Further research could explore optimal application methods and dosages for maximizing the synergistic effects of these nutrients.