Phosphorus deficiency-Potatoes | Yara Malaysia

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Nutrients

Potatoes - Deformation

Symptoms
Shoots are upright and thin with dull, dark green leaves. Margins of leaves are cupped upward. Growth is stunted.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency (left)

Potatoes - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Lateral root development is inhibited. Tuber yield will be reduced.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency (right)

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
Low organic matter
Cold or wet conditions
Crops with a poorly developed root system
Soils with low P reserves
Soils with a high phosphate capacity
Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

Increased number of tubers
Produces tubers of uniform size
Boosts bulking and increases the yield of tubers
Increases tuber dry matter content and starch levels
Improves storage potential of tubers and reduces storage diseases