Optimal soil amendments for potatoes

When growing potatoes, would adding gypsum be beneficial?

Yes, adding gypsum can be beneficial when growing potatoes. Gypsum can help to improve soil structure, increase water infiltration and drainage, and provide a source of calcium and sulfur, which are important nutrients for potato growth and development.

Potatoes require well-drained soils with good aeration to grow well, and gypsum can help to improve soil structure by reducing soil compaction and increasing pore space. This allows for better water infiltration and drainage, which can help to prevent waterlogged soils and improve potato growth and yield.

In addition, gypsum can provide a source of calcium, which is important for the growth and development of potato tubers. Calcium deficiency can lead to disorders such as internal brown spot and hollow heart in potatoes, which can reduce the quality and marketability of the crop.

Gypsum also contains sulfur, which is important for the formation of proteins and enzymes in potatoes, as well as for disease resistance. Sulfur deficiency can lead to reduced yield and quality, as well as increased susceptibility to diseases such as late blight.

Potatoes also need high levels of potassium, what other amendments could add enough ?

You are correct that potatoes require high levels of potassium for optimal growth and yield. In addition to gypsum, there are several other amendments that can be added to the soil to increase potassium levels:

Potassium sulfate: Potassium sulfate is a good source of potassium that can be added to the soil to increase levels. It is also low in chloride, which can be harmful to potatoes.

Wood ash: Wood ash is a natural source of potassium that can be added to the soil. However, it is important to use wood ash sparingly, as it can also increase soil pH and levels of other nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

Greensand: Greensand is a mineral-rich amendment that can be used to increase potassium levels in the soil. It is also a good source of other nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Kelp meal: Kelp meal is a natural source of potassium and other nutrients that can be added to the soil. It is also a good source of trace minerals that can be beneficial for potato growth and development.

When adding amendments to increase potassium levels in the soil, it is important to perform a soil test to determine the current levels of potassium and other nutrients. This can help to ensure that the correct amount of amendment is added to the soil to optimize potato growth and yield, without overloading the soil with excess nutrients.

For optimal potato crop, adding gypsum and kelp meal to a good organic airy soil be sufficient? Or do I need anything else ?

Adding gypsum and kelp meal to a good organic airy soil can be beneficial for growing potatoes, as both amendments can help to improve soil structure and provide important nutrients for plant growth and development. However, additional amendments may be needed depending on the specific needs of your soil and the potato varieties you are growing.

Here are some additional amendments that you may want to consider:

Organic matter: Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can help to improve soil fertility, increase water retention, and provide additional nutrients for the potato plants. Compost can be added to the soil prior to planting or used as a top dressing during the growing season.

Phosphorus: Potatoes require adequate levels of phosphorus for optimal growth and yield. Adding a phosphorus-rich amendment such as bone meal or rock phosphate can help to ensure that the plants have enough of this important nutrient.

So my plan is too use :

Gypsum

Turkey bone meal

Kelp meal

Organic compost

Mixed in a loose good draining soil

Using gypsum, turkey bone meal, kelp meal, and organic compost mixed into a loose, well-draining soil can be a good plan for growing potatoes. These amendments can provide important nutrients for plant growth and development, improve soil structure and fertility, and help to ensure good drainage.

Gypsum can help to reduce soil compaction and improve water infiltration and drainage, as well as provide a source of calcium and sulfur. Turkey bone meal can be a good source of phosphorus, as well as other important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Kelp meal can provide important trace minerals and growth-promoting hormones that can benefit potato growth and development. Organic compost can improve soil fertility, water retention, and nutrient availability, as well as provide a source of beneficial microorganisms that can help to suppress soil-borne diseases.

It is important to ensure that the soil is loose and well-draining, as potatoes require good aeration and drainage to grow well. You may also want to consider adding mulch around the base of the potato plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

Performing a soil test before planting can help to determine the specific nutrient needs of your soil and whether additional amendments may be necessary to optimize potato growth and yield. This can help to ensure that you are providing your plants with the best possible growing conditions for a successful crop.

In a 64 litre fabric container how much of each amendments approximately is needed ?

The amount of each amendment needed for a 64-liter fabric container will depend on the specific nutrient needs of your soil and the potato varieties you are growing, as well as the current nutrient levels in the amendments you are using. However, here are some general guidelines for the approximate amount of each amendment that you may need:

Gypsum: For a 64-liter container, you may need around 1-2 cups (240-480 mL) of gypsum, depending on the current calcium and sulfur levels in your soil.

Turkey bone meal: You may need around 1-2 cups (240-480 mL) of turkey bone meal for a 64-liter container, depending on the current phosphorus levels in your soil.

Kelp meal: For a 64-liter container, you may need around 1-2 cups (240-480 mL) of kelp meal, depending on the current trace mineral levels in your soil.

Organic compost: The amount of organic compost needed will depend on the current fertility of your soil. A good rule of thumb is to aim for around 20-30% of the container volume to be filled with compost, so for a 64-liter container, you may need around 13-19 liters of compost.

It is important to mix these amendments evenly into the soil and to ensure that the soil is well-draining and loose. It is also a good idea to perform a soil test before planting to determine the specific nutrient needs of your soil and to adjust the amounts of each amendment accordingly.

Potatoes & Fungi: Symbiosis.

Potatoes have a symbiotic relationship with a group of fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These fungi form mutualistic associations with the roots of plants, including potato plants, where they exchange nutrients with the plant.

In this symbiotic relationship, the AMF colonize the roots of the potato plant, forming structures called arbuscules, which allow for the transfer of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil to the plant. In exchange, the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis.

This symbiotic relationship between potatoes and AMF is important for the growth and health of potato plants, as it can improve nutrient uptake and increase resistance to environmental stresses such as drought and disease.

Which particular mychorrizal is most important?

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are generally considered to be the most important mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture and natural ecosystems.

AMF form mutualistic associations with the roots of the vast majority of plant species, including crops like potatoes, corn, and soybeans. They are able to increase plant nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and can help plants cope with environmental stresses such as drought, high soil salinity, and heavy metal toxicity.

AMF are also important for soil health and fertility, as they improve soil structure, promote soil aggregation, and increase soil organic matter. They can even help reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff, making them valuable allies in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.

While there are other types of mycorrhizal fungi, such as ectomycorrhizal fungi and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, which form mutualistic associations with some plant species, the widespread importance and ubiquity of AMF make them the most important mycorrhizal fungi in many ecosystems.

With regard too potato, which amf is most suited?

There are several species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that can form symbiotic associations with potato plants, and the specific species that is most suited may depend on various factors such as the soil type, environmental conditions, and potato cultivar.

However, research suggests that the AMF species Glomus intraradices is particularly effective at improving potato growth and productivity. Studies have shown that potato plants colonized by G. intraradices had higher levels of phosphorus uptake, improved root growth, and increased biomass compared to non-colonized plants.

Other AMF species such as Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae have also been shown to form mutualistic associations with potato plants and improve their growth and nutrient uptake.

Overall, while the specific AMF species that is most suited for potato plants may vary depending on the specific growing conditions, any of these three species (G. intraradices, R. irregularis, and F. mosseae) could potentially be effective in promoting potato growth and productivity through symbiotic associations.