A recent trial near Newark has delivered promising results for potato growers, showing that targeted nutrient applications can significantly increase both yield and tuber size.
The trial, conducted at Burnett Farm on Innovator potatoes, was under the guidance of root crop agronomist, Howard Hinds, from Agronomy Connection. The work tested the effect of Wholly K on potato bulking.
Wholly K is a potassium metabolite complex designed to deliver K when conditions may limit soil uptake. The trial involved a randomised small plot (four replicate) design, with treatments applied on 30 May and 24 June. Yield assessments were made after the crop was burned off at the end of August.
“Digs along 3m stretches of the bed were made for all plots, with tuber number and yield assessed for size and length,” explains Howard.
Yield results
Come harvest, the treated plots yielded an average 49.44t/ha – a 5.07t/ha uplift compared with untreated (44.37 t/ha). Howard says these results are encouraging. “Across the trial, we observed more than 10% increase in yield, and tubers were larger and longer – which is particularly important for chipping potatoes.”
In a farming environment where fertiliser costs remain high and essential nutrients like potash and phosphate aren’t always fully available, targeted nutritional inputs like Unium Bioscience’s Wholly K can help to fill these gaps, suggests Howard.
“Even with high phosphate indices, nutrients can become locked up in the soil, limiting availability,” he notes.
The Burnett Farm trial represents a first step, with plans to extend the trial in future seasons to confirm and build on these initial findings. “In the end, it’s about giving the crop the best chance to reach its potential,” says Howard. “Even small improvements in yield and tuber size can make a real difference for growers.”
