Data on crop development, tuber yield and size distribution were taken. In cooperation with the Dept. of Soil Science and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, a study of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on yield, quality, sugar composition, and french fry quality of potatoes during storage. Movement of nitrogen into the soil profile is also being examined. Nitrogen application increased yields of seed and consumption grade potato in both cultivars but the differences were not statistically significant for Shepody seed grade tubers. Higher rates of nitrogen had no effect or decreased yield slightly.
Potatoes respond favourably to high levels of potassium.
Using potassium sulphate instead of potassium chloride as a potassium source can lower the soil pH and avoid chloride toxicity. Previous studies at SIDC, where the inherent soil potassium levels are relatively high, showed no effect to potassium application. In 1995, there were no effects of source or rates of potassium on yield and tuber number of seed and consumption grade tubers for both Norland and Russet Burbank potato. Nitrogen fertility status in potato is critical for achieving maximum yield. 3 -N content reflects the nitrogen fertility status of potato plant and thus provides producers with a mechanism for monitoring nitrogen requirements throughout the growing season.