Evaluation of liquid phosphorus fertilizers and fulvic acids in a potato crop in an Andisol type soil

Abstract

Andisols are soils derived from volcanic ash that are characterized by high concentrations of phosphorus (P). However, most of the P is not readily available for plant uptake due to the physical–chemical properties of the soils. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the effects of liquid P fertilizers on the plant growth and yield of a potato crop cultivated in Andisol type soil located in southern Chile. Ten treatments were applied pre- and/or postemergence, including orthophosphate- or ammonium polyphosphatebased fertilizers applied alone or in combination with fulvic acid and granular fertilizers; in addition, an unfertilized control (T0) was also included. Significant differences were found in terms of yield, total number of stems, and tuber size. The application of liquid fertilizers resulted in similar levels of foliar P content, while the number of stems was higher with the combined application of ammonium polyphosphate and fulvic acid. Furthermore, liquid P fertilizers increased crop yield (38%) and the proportion of large tubers (17%). The effects of orthophosphate and polyphosphate liquid fertilizers on potato were enhanced by the addition of fulvic acid to the soil.