The latest Minnesota Crop News, University of Minnesota Extension nutrient management specialist Carl Rosen explains that in sandier soils, potato research continues to show that it’s important to split nitrogen applications. It’s also important monitor plants closely to make sure you are getting nutrients to the plant when it needs it. “Try to match that nitrogen with the demand of the crop. For potatoes, it’s usually around that time of tuber initiation to initial tuber bulking is really when nitrogen is taken up.” Petiole analysis continues to be the best tool for monitoring the nitrogen status of the crop, but research is underway to improve the ability to monitor crops. Rosen says this could help producers use nitrogen more efficiently. “We’re looking at remote sensing and reflectants. Perhaps using either satellites or drones can give us a better idea of spatial variability so maybe the whole field doesn’t need additional nitrogen.”
