Assessing the impact of organic resources and phosphorus on nutrient uptake, soil traits and seed potato productivity

Improving tuber yield size to boost seed potato (Solanum tuberosum) production efficiency is a paramount goal, particularly in Punjab, India, a major contributor to the nation's seed supply. To optimize nutrient absorption, soil quality, and yield of seed-sized tubers, research was conducted in Ludhiana and Jalandhar over two years. Employing a split-plot design, three organic treatments (farmyard manure [FYM], biofertilizer, control) were tested in main plots, while five phosphorus fertilizer levels (46.9, 62.5, 93.8, 125, 0 kg ha-1 P2O5) were examined in subplots. Results revealed that FYM notably enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both haulm and tubers compared to other organics. Moreover, higher phosphorus levels, particularly 125 kg ha-1 P2O5, maximized nutrient uptake. Soil attributes like available nitrogen remained unaffected, whereas phosphorus availability increased with FYM and higher phosphorus levels. Available potassium remained consistent across treatments. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon were unchanged with 125 kg ha-1 P2O5 treatments. FYM and biofertilizer significantly increased total tuber yields, with FYM showing a remarkable 30% boost compared to the control, and 125 kg ha-1 P2O5 phosphorus levels resulting in a notable 24% increase, indicating enhanced seed potato production strategies. Principal component analysis underscored the positive correlation between tuber yield and soil attributes, particularly favoring FYM and 125 kg ha-1 P2O5 treatments. Overall, FYM application and optimal phosphorus fertilizer levels are pivotal for augmenting nutrient uptake, soil health, and yield in seed potato cultivation. Potato farming in Punjab, India, is crucial for the nation's seed potato supply. Optimizing tuber yield size is a primary concern for farmers in this region to enhance seed potato production efficiency. A two-year study conducted in Ludhiana and Jalandhar aimed to investigate methods to improve nutrient absorption, soil quality, and ultimately the yield of seed-sized potato tubers. Farmyard manure significantly enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both the haulm (stems and leaves) and tubers, outperforming other organic treatments. Higher phosphorus fertilizer levels, particularly 125 kg ha-1 P2O5, maximized nutrient uptake and contributed to increased tuber yields. Utilizing farmyard manure as an organic treatment and optimizing phosphorus levels, especially at 125 kg ha-1 P2O5, are pivotal for enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and increasing yields. Potato farming in Punjab, India, is crucial for the nation's seed potato supply. Optimizing tuber yield size is a primary concern for farmers in this region to enhance seed potato production efficiency. A two-year study conducted in Ludhiana and Jalandhar aimed to investigate methods to improve nutrient absorption, soil quality, and ultimately the yield of seed-sized potato tubers. Farmyard manure significantly enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both the haulm (stems and leaves) and tubers, outperforming other organic treatments. Higher phosphorus fertilizer levels, particularly 125 kg ha-1 P2O5, maximized nutrient uptake and contributed to increased tuber yields. Utilizing farmyard manure as an organic treatment and optimizing phosphorus levels, especially at 125 kg ha-1 P2O5, are pivotal for enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and increasing yields.