Accumulation and export of micronutrients in potato fertilized with organic-mineral fertilizer

Abstract

The response of potato plants to organo-mineral fertilization is still poorly understood. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate absorption and extraction of micronutrients by Agata potato cultivar in winter crop. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Cristalina, Goiás state, Brazil, from May 26 to August 29 of 2012. The experimental design was a randomized block with five organo-mineral fertilizer rates, one mineral fertilizer rate (control) and four replications for each treatment. The results demonstrated that the mean total absorption of micronutrients by potato plants for the organo-mineral treatments was higher relative to the mineral treatment; and also that micronutrients were absorbed in the following order: Fe> Zn>Mn> Cu> B, in relation to total amounts. The average export of micronutrients in potato plants treated with organo-mineral fertilizer was 28%, 37%, 25%, 8% and 17% for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn (respectively)relative to total amounts absorbed by the plants.