Introduction 

Potatoes rely on a balanced supply of major nutrients to achieve optimal growth, high yields, and quality tubers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium form the core of fertilization strategies, each contributing uniquely to plant processes while interacting to support overall health. Effective management involves understanding uptake patterns, soil conditions, and environmental factors, as imbalances can lead to reduced productivity or issues like nutrient runoff. Research emphasizes integrated approaches, combining these nutrients with soil testing and precise applications to sustain soil fertility and minimize losses.

Nitrogen (N) 

Role in Potato Plants

Potassium (K)

• Role in Potato Plants: The most critical nutrient for potatoes, required in even greater amounts than nitrogen. Regulates water movement, stomatal function, and photosynthate (sugar) transport from leaves to tubers. Enhances tuber size, dry matter, starch content, taste, and storability; increases resistance to drought, disease, and physiological disorders.

• Use in Cultivation: Applied as potash (K₂O) in various forms (chloride, sulfate, nitrate), with most uptake during tuber bulking. Potatoes can remove two to three times more potassium than nitrogen from the soil, so regular replenishment is critical.

• Deficiency Effects: Causes poor yield, low starch, weak plants, thin cell walls, and higher susceptibility to stress and disease. Excess Effects: Can interfere with uptake of other nutrients, especially magnesium and calcium.

"Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are fundamental to potato cultivation, each playing distinct but interconnected roles in plant growth, tuber formation, and final yield. Their precise and balanced management-guided by soil testing, crop stage, and local recommendations-is essential for maximizing productivity, tuber quality, and long-term soil health in potato farming.."