--- 資料來源：http://www.haifa-group.com/knowledge_center/crop_guides/potato/ --- # Potato crop guide: How to grow potatoes and get optimum yields 馬鈴薯指南：如何種植并高產 Recommended soil types for growing potatoes, special sensitivities, nutritional requirements and fertilization recommendations for various fertilizers – Find all there is to know about growing potatoes in Haifa's complete crop guide. 海法莊稼指南 Growing potatoes and getting high yield of quality crop requires knowledge and expertise. Haifa's potato crop guide provides profound and practical knowledge gathered over decades of field experience that will greatly assist you in achieving optimal plant nutrition and obtaining excellent results in the field. 十年經驗助你高產 Here are just few of the facts, tips and knowledge you will find in this thorough crop guide: 幾條經驗 The potato ranks as the world's fourth most important food crop, after maize, wheat and rice. 世界四大糧食：玉米、小麥、水稻、馬鈴薯 * Since potatoes are sensitive to the chloride anion, it is essential to use chloride-free fertilizers, which contribute to increased yield and quality. 馬鈴薯對氯離子敏感，要用無氯肥料。 * Potato growth is classified into five distinct growth phases, and each growth stage has to be considered when managing the crop. 馬鈴薯生長期可以分為五個階段 * The highest requirement for potassium is during the bulking up stage of the tubers. The flowering of potato plants indicates the beginning of this morphological stage. 最需要鉀（K）的時候，是膨大期。開花就是它的象征。 * Adequate control over Nitrogen (N) supply is highly important to obtain high yields of excellent quality potatoes. 控氮（N）贏全局 * Calcium deficiency interferes with root growth, causes deformation of foliage growth tips, and may result in reduced yields and poor quality. 缺鈣影響根生長，導致葉片，從而低產 # General growing conditions ## 1.1 The plant The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an herbaceous annual that grows up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall and produces tubers, which are botanically thickened stems that are so rich in starch that they rank as the world's fourth most important food crop, after maize, wheat and rice. The potato belongs to the Solanaceae, and shares the genus Solanum with at least 1,000 other species, including tomato and eggplant. S. tuberosum is divided into two, only slightly different, subspecies: andigena, which is adapted to short day conditions and is mainly grown in the Andes, and tuberosum, the potato now cultivated around the world, which is believed to descend from a small introduction to Europe of andigena potatoes that later adapted to longer day conditions.  Figure 1: A scheme of the potato plant ## 1.2 Soil type and pH Potatoes will grow on most soils, organic as well as mineral ones. But, light and medium texture soils are recommended where mechanical harvesting is practiced, to avoid difficulties in harvesting when weather conditions are adverse at harvest time. Lowest possible soil pH is 5.5. Soil pH below 4.8 generally results in impaired growth. Too alkaline conditions can adversely affect skin quality and can induce micronutrients deficiencies. ## 1.3 Special sensitivities of the potato plant 1.3.1 Chloride Potatoes are sensitive to the chloride anion. Chloride damage is manifested by scorching of the leaf tips and margins, and leaves yellowing and distortion. Fertilization with chloride-free fertilizers will, therefore, contribute to increased yields and to the improvement of their quality. 1.3.2 Boron deficiency “Hollow Heart”, by comparison, is characterized by formation of a cavity near the tuber centre, without any external indication of this syndrome. It is the result of soil boron deficiency. Rapid growth of the tuber, sometimes due to too low plant density, may cause this syndrome, too. 缺硼，“空心”。 1.3.3 Storage conditions “Black heart” symptom of potatoes is caused by a limited supply of oxygen to the tubers during their storage, and cannot be alleviated by improved growth conditions. 倉儲的時候，氧氣不足會導致“黑心”。 ## 1.4 Irrigation During the early growth phase, until tuber formation, it is essential to keep the soil constantly and uniformly wet to a depth of at least 10-15cm. The frequency of irrigation cycles during this period should be determined according to the specific soil type and climate conditions. 頭個生長階段。泥土濕潤10-15cm。防水都要看泥土類型和天氣條件。 During the second growth phase, during tuber development, irrigation will be less frequent and applied once every 3-5 days. This allows efficient root respiration and intensifying growth rate. Potatoes can be irrigated almost until harvest. 第二個生長階段，塊莖發育期，灌溉頻率下降到3-5天一次。這樣有助于根部有效地呼吸和加強生長速度。灌溉能貫穿整個馬鈴薯生長期。 Irrigation at tuber initiation can affect the skin quality of daughter tubers by influencing phytopathogens, either favorably or adversely, according to conditions, and moisture rate present. A monitored drip system equipped with a Nutrigation? (fertigation) device is the preferable method of irrigation (Fig. 2)  Figure 2: Drip-irrigated potato field in southern Israel 以色列南部的滴灌 ## 1.5 Crop uses Potatoes are consumed fresh, and are being processed to chips and crisps. Potatoes are also used for the production of starch. Selected plots are grown for seed production. Potatoes grown for processing are valued for yield, size, shape, and mainly for dry matter content (measured by specific gravity). As the specific gravity increases, the water content of the potato decreases, improving the frying properties and flavor. Management factors, including plant nutrition treatments, will influence potato yield, quality, and storage properties. ## 1.6 Crop growth stages Potato growth is classified into five distinct growth phases (Fig. 3). The exact timing of these growth phases depends on many environmental and management factors that vary between locations and cultivars. However, these distinct stages of growth need to be considered when managing the crop.  Figure 3: Main stages of growth and development of potatoes The nutritional requirements of the developing potato change during the growing season. ### Stage I Sprout development Sprout develops from eyes on seed tubers and grows upward to emerge from the soil. Roots begin to develop at the base of emerging sprouts. ### 1. 芽條生長期 種薯播種后，從萌發開始，經歷芽條生長、根系形成，至幼苗出土為芽條生長期。該生長期是以根系和芽生長為中心，持續時間差異較大，短者一個月左右，長者可達數月之久。這期農作物措施關鍵是能把種薯的養分、水分及內源激素調動起來，促進早發芽，多發根、快出芽、出壯苗。 ### Stage II Vegetative growth Leaves and brunch stems develop from aboveground nodes along emerged sprouts. Roots and stolons develop at below-ground nodes. Photosynthesis begins. ### 2. 幼苗期 從幼苗出土，經歷根系發育、主莖孕苗期。由于馬鈴薯種薯內含有豐富營養和水分，在出苗前便形成了相當數量的根系和胚葉。出苗后根系繼續擴展，莖葉生長迅速，多數品種在出苗后7～10天匍匐莖伸長，5～10天頂端開始膨大；同時頂端第一花序開始孕育花蕾，側枝開始發生。此期的生長中心是莖葉與塊莖的生長。 ### Stage III Tuber initiation Tubers form at stolon tips but are not yet appreciably enlarging. In most cultivars the end of this stage coincides with early flowering. ### 3. 塊莖形成期 從塊莖具有雛形開始，經歷地上莖頂端封頂葉展開、第一花序開始開花、全株匍匐莖頂端均開始膨大、直到最大塊莖直徑達3～4厘米、地下上部莖葉干物重和塊莖干物重平衡為止，為塊莖形成期。本期是決定單株結薯數的關鍵時期，一般經歷30天左右，農作措施以水肥促進莖葉生長，迅速建成同化體系，同時中耕結合培土為莖膨大創造條件。 ### Stage IV Tuber bulking Tuber cells expand with the accumulation of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates. Tubers become the dominant site for deposition of carbohydrates and mobile inorganic nutrients. ### 4. 塊莖增長期 從地上部與地下部干物重平衡開始，即進入塊莖增長時期，此期葉面積已達最大值，莖葉生長逐漸緩慢并停止；地上部制造的養分不斷向塊莖輸送，塊莖的體積重量不斷增長，是決定塊莖體積大小的關鍵時期。 ### Stage V Maturation Vines turn yellow and lose leaves, photo-synthesis decreases, tuber growth slows, and vines eventually die. Tuber dry matter content reaches a maximum and tuber skins set. ### 5. 淀粉積累期 從莖葉開始逐漸衰老，到塊莖體積和重量繼續增加。該期生長特點是地上部向塊莖中轉運碳水化合物、蛋白質和灰分，塊莖日增重達最大值。淀粉的積累一直延續到莖葉全部枯死之前，農作物措施主要是晝保持根、莖、葉減緩衰亡，加速同化物向塊莖中轉移成熟期，收獲期決定于生產目的和輪作中的要求。一般當植物地上部莖葉黃枯，莖塊內淀粉積累充分時，即為成熟收獲期。 # Nutritional requirements ## 2.1 Nutrient uptake curves Nutrients uptake is at its greatest during tuber bulking up (intensive volume increase process). The amount of nutrients removed by a potato crop is closely related to yield. Usually, twice the yield will result twice the removal of nutrients. Nutrients need to be applied as accurately as possible to the zone of uptake, slightly before, or at the time that the crop needs them. Failure to ensure that each plant gets the right balance of nutrients can spoil crop quality and reduce yield. The highest requirement for potassium, as shown on Figure 4, is during the bulking up stage of the tubers. The flowering of potato plants is an indication when this morphological stage starts. Consequently, the ideal side-dressing period with Multi-K? would be during the tuber bulking stage. Figure 4: Uptake of macronutrient uptake by a whole potato plant Source: Harris (1978)  The daily requirements of potato tubers during the critical bulking stage are 4.5 kg/ha N, 0.3 kg/ha P and 6.0 kg/ha K. Potassium requirements of potato tubers during the bulking stage are very high as they are considered to be luxury consumers of potassium. Daily yield increase during the critical tuber bulking stage can reach 1000 - 1500 kg/ha/day. Therefore, it is important to supply the required plant nutrients during the tuber bulking stage in right N-P-K ratio and in ample quantities. Figure 5: Uptake of macro and secondary nutrients by vines and tubers of potato plants yielding 55 ton/ha Source: Reiz, 1991  Figure 6: Uptake of micro-nutrients by vines and tubers of potato plants yielding 55 ton/ha  2.2 Main functions of plant nutrients Table 1: Summary of main functions of plant nutrients | Nutrient | Functions | | --- | --- | | Nitrogen (N) | Synthesis of proteins (growth and yield).生長與發育 | | Phosphorus (P) | Cellular division and formation of energetic structures.細胞分裂、分化 | | Potassium (K) | Transport of sugars, stomata control, cofactor of many enzymes, reduces susceptibility to plant diseases. 糖分轉移、氣孔、酶、增強免疫力 | | Calcium (Ca) | A major building block in cell walls, and reduces susceptibility to diseases. 細胞壁 | | Sulfur (S) | Synthesis of essential amino acids cystine and methionine. | | Magnesium (Mg) | Central part of chlorophyll molecule. 葉綠素 | | Iron (Fe) | Chlorophyll synthesis. 葉綠素 | | Manganese (Mn) | Necessary in the photosynthesis process. | | Boron (B) | Formation of cell wall. Germination and elongation of pollen tube.Participates in the metabolism and transport of sugars. | | Zinc (Zn) | Auxins synthesis. | | Copper (Cu) | Influences in the metabolism of nitrogen and carbohydrates. | | Molybdenum (Mo) | Component of nitrate-reductase and nitrogenase enzymes. | # Fertilization recommendations