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Your Connection to the Field
FIELDINSIGHTS
A study was conducted in the Columbia Basin, Washington in 2014 to
evaluate the performance of Nu-TraxTM P+ on Russet Burbank, potatoes.
This study showed that Nu-Trax P+ coated on a NPK dry blend preplant increased usable
potato yield by 10% over the uncoated treatment. The best results came when Nu-Trax
P+ was coated on the NPK blend and the use of a liquid phosphorus (P) starter applied
in the planter band. This treatment increased total usable yield by 13%.
BACKGROUNDPotatoes have a high demand for P during the growing season. Early in potato plants’
growth, P stimulates vigorous root growth and healthy tops. Peak P demand occurs
at tuber initiation and early bulking. Table 1 provides peak daily demand for P and
other key nutrients for potato production. This means that P is critical for setting the
yield for the crop. P deficiencies in potatoes often cause slow growth/maturity and
reduce yields; visual deficiencies only occur in very severe cases. It is also common for
potato production to occur in alkaline soils, which creates an environment for P tie up
with calcium and magnesium. This makes good P management in potatoes important
for optimal yield and quality.
METHODSIn 2014, a trial was conducted in the
central portion of the Columbia Basin,
near Othello, Washington. The study was
established in a pivot irrigated silt loam
alkaline pH field, using Umatilla Russet
whole certified seed potatoes ranging
in 2 - 2 ½ ounces in weight. They were
hand planted on ten inch intervals in
34 inch rows, with 4 replications and
randomized complete block plot design.
Nu-Trax P+ brings together three innovative technologies for early season nutrition.
CropStartTM Nutrient Package
The right blend of phosphorus, zinc, manganese and nitrogen needed for a strong start.
EvenCoatTM Technology
Fertilizer coating technology that allows for blanket-like distribution and more points of interception for young roots.
PlantActiv TM Formulation
Physically and chemically designed – the Nu-Trax P+ particle size is optimum for plant uptake.
ISSUE 1: 2015
Nu-Trax P+ is a phosphorus-based fertilizer designed to provide better early season nutrition to crops. Success early in the season sets the stage for a more fibrous root system that is better able to access the nutrition that the crop needs later in the growth cycle. And a strong root system can better handle environmental stress while maximizing yield potential.
Nu-TraxTM P+ Improves Potato Yield and Quality
R4
Your Connection to the Field
FIELDINSIGHTS
TABLE 1: Typical nutrient accumulation in vines and tubers of a 400 to 500 cwt/A Russet potato crop and the general maximum daily uptake rate for the plant during the growing season.
Total Plant Uptake, lb/A Peak daily uptake rate,
lb/A/dayVines Tubers
Nitrogen 140 210 4 to 7
Phosphorus 10 29 0.4 to 0.9
Potassium 275 240 5 to 14
Sulfur 12 22 0.1 to 0.6
Adapted from data presented here
RethinkYourPhos.com
compassminerals.com | 9900 W. 109th St., Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210
© 2015 Compass Minerals is a registered trademark of Compass Minerals International, Inc., and Nu-Trax™ P+, CropStart™, EvenCoat™ and PlantActiv™ are trademarks of Compass Minerals Manitoba Inc. Compass Minerals is the proud supplier of Wolf Trax® Innovative Nutrients. Not all products are registered in all areas. Contact [email protected] for more information.
0NPK NPK +
Nu-Trax P+
NPK +P Starter
NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+
28.526.9
TOTAL USABLE YIELD
27.8
Ton
/A
25.2
5
10
15
20
25
30
TOTAL USABLE YIELD
Figure 1
0
5
10
15
20
25
20.8
24.7
22.223.9
4.64.83.0
4.4
Ton
/ A
Total US. No. 1's Total US. No. 2's
NPK NPK +Nu-Trax P+
NPK +P Starter
NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+
POTATO GRADE
Figure 2
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
$/ A
Economic returns are based on $170/ton potato price
NPK
428745814718
NPK +Nu-Trax P+
NPK +P Starter
NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+
4848
RETURN PER ACRE
Figure 3
Data collected includes:
• Emerged plant populations
• An early vigor assessment
• Stem number distributions
• Yield
• Grade evaluations
• Economic assessment
Treatments
1. NPK
2. NPK + (2 lb Nu-Trax P+)
3. NPK + (Liquid P starter)
4. NPK + (Liquid P starter) + (2 lb Nu-Trax P+)
RESULTSIn general, the study showed that if P was added either as a
starter or with Nu-Trax P+, yield, quality and return per acre was
increased. While these data sets are not statistically significant,
they still point to some important trends. Nu-Trax P+ coated
on a NPK dry blend preplant increased usable potato yield by
10% over the uncoated treatment. The best results came when
Nu-Trax P+ was coated on the NPK blend and the use of a liquid
P starter applied in the planter band. This treatment increased
total usable yield by 13% (Figure 1). Both treatments with
Nu-Trax P+ tended to increase total US #1’s over the uncoated
treatments (Figure 2), with Nu-Trax P+ showing the greatest
yield and quality improvements over the standard dry NPK blend
economic returns. The average of both Nu-Trax P+ treatments
provide a $350 return/A when compared to the average of the
two non-Nu-Trax P+ treatments (Figure 3).
A few recommendations when considering Nu-Trax P+:
Utilize a 2 lb/A rate
Apply in the spring at or just before planting
SUMMARY
P fertility is important for optimal potato
production, particularly early in the season.
Nu-Trax P+ provided a boost to production and
profitability when added in combination with standard
NPK and starter fertility programs.
R4
Your Connection to the Field
FIELDINSIGHTSR4
Your Connection to the Field
FIELDINSIGHTS
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