ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF VERMICOMPOST AND PEAT EXTRACTS ON NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN TUBERS AND POTATO YIELD

Abstract

Investigations on the potential beneficial effect of humic substances on crop plant cultivation under extremely diverse soil and climatic conditions is of global character, thereby knowledge obtained on the basis of local investigations are of great importance world-wide. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of different application methods (seed tuber treatment and foliar application) of commercially-produced peat and vermicompost extracts on nutrient uptake in tubers and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) using field experiments in organic farming system with potato variety ‘Borodjanskij Rozovij’. The tested extracts from the organic products included: peat extract (K45) and vermicompost extract (B45) obtained at +45°C by cavitation. The investigation was carried out at Stende Research Centre (Institute of Agro-resources and Economics) from 2011 to 2012. The chemical composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, B) of potato tubers was determined. The application of organic extract from vermicompost had a stimulating effect on mineral nutrient as N, P, K, Mg, and S accumulation in potato tubers, but 50% of cases showed reduction in Ca and Cu content that could influence the storage of tubers. The use of peat extract was significantly effective when the tubers were treated before planting. On average, tuber treatment and foliar spray with organic extracts contributed to 10% of tuber yield increase.

Keywords: organic farming system, organic extracts, Solanum tuberosum L., chemical composition of tubers, yield

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.166