Effect of potassium and nitrogen on yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sheila Dhar Institute of Soil Science, University of Allahabad during the year 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 to study the effect of potassium and nitrogen on tuber yield, chlorophyll content in leaves and protein, potassium and nitrogen content in potato tubers. The tuber yield of potato increased significantly (31.41%) over control due to nitrogen application. Application of potassium also enhanced the tuber yield (169.66 to 217.77 kg ha-1). Maximum doses of nitrgen (120 kg ha-1) and potassium (100 kg ha-1) proved most effective in increasing tuber yield of potato. The chlorophyll content in leaves (0.235 to 0.425 mg/100g) increased significantly with-increasing levels of nitrogen (0-120 kg N ha-1). Protein content, potassium and nitrogen in potato increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen and potassium. Combined application of 120 kg N ha-1 along with 100 kg K ha-1 showed significant response in tuber yield, crude protein, nitrogen and potassium content.