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Your Connection to the Field

FIELDINSIGHTS

A study was conducted in the Columbia Basin, Washington in 2014 to

evaluate the performance of Nu-TraxTM P+ on Russet Burbank, potatoes.

This study showed that Nu-Trax P+ coated on a NPK dry blend preplant increased usable

potato yield by 10% over the uncoated treatment. The best results came when Nu-Trax

P+ was coated on the NPK blend and the use of a liquid phosphorus (P) starter applied

in the planter band. This treatment increased total usable yield by 13%.

BACKGROUNDPotatoes have a high demand for P during the growing season. Early in potato plants’

growth, P stimulates vigorous root growth and healthy tops. Peak P demand occurs

at tuber initiation and early bulking. Table 1 provides peak daily demand for P and

other key nutrients for potato production. This means that P is critical for setting the

yield for the crop. P deficiencies in potatoes often cause slow growth/maturity and

reduce yields; visual deficiencies only occur in very severe cases. It is also common for

potato production to occur in alkaline soils, which creates an environment for P tie up

with calcium and magnesium. This makes good P management in potatoes important

for optimal yield and quality.

METHODSIn 2014, a trial was conducted in the

central portion of the Columbia Basin,

near Othello, Washington. The study was

established in a pivot irrigated silt loam

alkaline pH field, using Umatilla Russet

whole certified seed potatoes ranging

in 2 - 2 ½ ounces in weight. They were

hand planted on ten inch intervals in

34 inch rows, with 4 replications and

randomized complete block plot design.

Nu-Trax P+ brings together three innovative technologies for early season nutrition.

CropStartTM Nutrient Package

The right blend of phosphorus, zinc, manganese and nitrogen needed for a strong start.

EvenCoatTM Technology

Fertilizer coating technology that allows for blanket-like distribution and more points of interception for young roots.

PlantActiv TM Formulation

Physically and chemically designed – the Nu-Trax P+ particle size is optimum for plant uptake.

ISSUE 1: 2015

Nu-Trax P+ is a phosphorus-based fertilizer designed to provide better early season nutrition to crops. Success early in the season sets the stage for a more fibrous root system that is better able to access the nutrition that the crop needs later in the growth cycle. And a strong root system can better handle environmental stress while maximizing yield potential.

Nu-TraxTM P+ Improves Potato Yield and Quality

R4

Your Connection to the Field

FIELDINSIGHTS

TABLE 1: Typical nutrient accumulation in vines and tubers of a 400 to 500 cwt/A Russet potato crop and the general maximum daily uptake rate for the plant during the growing season.

Total Plant Uptake, lb/A Peak daily uptake rate,

lb/A/dayVines Tubers

Nitrogen 140 210 4 to 7

Phosphorus 10 29 0.4 to 0.9

Potassium 275 240 5 to 14

Sulfur 12 22 0.1 to 0.6

Adapted from data presented here

RethinkYourPhos.com

compassminerals.com | 9900 W. 109th St., Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210

© 2015 Compass Minerals is a registered trademark of Compass Minerals International, Inc., and Nu-Trax™ P+, CropStart™, EvenCoat™ and PlantActiv™ are trademarks of Compass Minerals Manitoba Inc. Compass Minerals is the proud supplier of Wolf Trax® Innovative Nutrients. Not all products are registered in all areas. Contact wolftrax@compassminerals.com for more information.

0NPK NPK +

Nu-Trax P+

NPK +P Starter

NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+

28.526.9

TOTAL USABLE YIELD

27.8

Ton

/A

25.2

5

10

15

20

25

30

TOTAL USABLE YIELD

Figure 1

0

5

10

15

20

25

20.8

24.7

22.223.9

4.64.83.0

4.4

Ton

/ A

Total US. No. 1's Total US. No. 2's

NPK NPK +Nu-Trax P+

NPK +P Starter

NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+

POTATO GRADE

Figure 2

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

$/ A

Economic returns are based on $170/ton potato price

NPK

428745814718

NPK +Nu-Trax P+

NPK +P Starter

NPK + P Starter + Nu-Trax P+

4848

RETURN PER ACRE

Figure 3

Data collected includes:

• Emerged plant populations

• An early vigor assessment

• Stem number distributions

• Yield

• Grade evaluations

• Economic assessment

Treatments

1. NPK

2. NPK + (2 lb Nu-Trax P+)

3. NPK + (Liquid P starter)

4. NPK + (Liquid P starter) + (2 lb Nu-Trax P+)

RESULTSIn general, the study showed that if P was added either as a

starter or with Nu-Trax P+, yield, quality and return per acre was

increased. While these data sets are not statistically significant,

they still point to some important trends. Nu-Trax P+ coated

on a NPK dry blend preplant increased usable potato yield by

10% over the uncoated treatment. The best results came when

Nu-Trax P+ was coated on the NPK blend and the use of a liquid

P starter applied in the planter band. This treatment increased

total usable yield by 13% (Figure 1). Both treatments with

Nu-Trax P+ tended to increase total US #1’s over the uncoated

treatments (Figure 2), with Nu-Trax P+ showing the greatest

yield and quality improvements over the standard dry NPK blend

economic returns. The average of both Nu-Trax P+ treatments

provide a $350 return/A when compared to the average of the

two non-Nu-Trax P+ treatments (Figure 3).

A few recommendations when considering Nu-Trax P+:

Utilize a 2 lb/A rate

Apply in the spring at or just before planting

SUMMARY

P fertility is important for optimal potato

production, particularly early in the season.

Nu-Trax P+ provided a boost to production and

profitability when added in combination with standard

NPK and starter fertility programs.

R4

Your Connection to the Field

FIELDINSIGHTSR4

Your Connection to the Field

FIELDINSIGHTS