Most High Plains potatoes are planted in sandy loams and loamy sands. Russeting and skin set are better in sandier soils. Potato plants require relatively high soil fertility for production of strong tops and premium size tubers of high quality. Nutrient requirements occur early in the growth of the plant, thus all phosphorus and potassium and at least half the total nitrogen fertilizer is usually applied at or just before planting. The fertilizer should be banded 2 inches to the side and 1 inch below on both sides of the seed piece, but most growers no longer band fertilizer.
Sidedress nitrogen is applied to potatoes grown on light sandy soils.
For maximum response, sidedress nitrogen can be applied to target specific plant nutrient objectives related to growth stage. Petiole testing on a regular basis can be a very useful nitrogen management tool. Varieties Many potato varieties are grown in Texas. Red La Soda and Viking are the principal red skin varieties. White skin potato varieties grown for chip processing include Atlantic, Snowden, Gemchip, and Norchip.