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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59952
Title: POTASSIUM MANAGEMENT IN IRRIGATED POTATO SYSTEMS OF SOUTHERN IDAHO

Author
item TINDALL, TERRY - UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
item Westermann, Dale
item STARK, JEFFREY - UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

Submitted to: Idaho Winter Commodity School Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: There is a concern among growers and agriculture consultants regarding yield and quality of potassium application rates. Increased yields with potassium fertilizer applications were observed in this study. Yield increases have been observed in seed producing areas of Idaho where high quality water is used for irrigation. Yields are much lower than the traditional production areas of the Snake River Plain. Growers who have similar soil conditions can expect yield increases with applications of potassium fertilizer. Growers also need be aware that higher potassium applications will probably reduce the overall quality for processing. Injecting potassium through the irrigation water did not provide positive yield increases.

Technical Abstract: Objectives of this study were to determine the extent of soil available potassium in southern Idaho soils related to growers yield goals and soil test potassium levels; determine potassium uptake efficiency of sprinkler applied potassium during mid season application, and determine soil potassium release variables for soil test correlations. Experimental plots were established on a cooperators field. Each plot was sampled throughout the growing season. These samples were analyzed for all critical nutrients.