Influence of Nitrogen Fertilization under different Cultural Practices on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food crop in India, and its productivity is largely influenced by nitrogen management and intercultural practices. Nitrogen plays a critical role in crop growth and tuber yield, while intercultural operations improve soil conditions but are often constrained by labour scarcity. Therefore, optimizing nitrogen application under different cultural practices is essential for improving yield and profitability of potato cultivation. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2016–17 at ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Gwalior, using potato variety ‘Kufri Surya’ in a split-plot design with two cultural operations (hoeing and no hoeing) and four nitrogen levels (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N ha⁻¹), replicated three times. Growth attributes were not significantly influenced by treatments, except higher plant height at harvest with 225 kg N ha⁻¹ under no-hoeing. Tuber yield increased significantly with nitrogen application, with the highest yield (24.81 t ha⁻¹) recorded at 225 kg N ha⁻¹. Cultural operations significantly enhanced tuber nitrogen uptake, while higher nitrogen levels reduced potassium uptake. Maximum net return (Rs. 78,419 ha⁻¹) and benefit: cost ratio (2.03) was obtained with hoeing combined with 225 kg N ha⁻¹. Application of 225 kg N ha⁻¹ is recommended for achieving higher yield and profitability under no-hoeing conditions, while 150 kg N ha⁻¹ is adequate where hoeing is practiced.