Phosphorus Fertilization for Potatoes in West Texas
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
Hussain, T., Postdoctoral Extension Associate, Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Noland, R., Associate Professor & Extension Agronomy Specialist, Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Schwarz, A., County Extension Agent - Horticulture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Tom Green County
Abstract
Regional soil types and West Texas's hot, dry climate create a challenging environment for potato production by limiting phosphorus (P) availability. Soil phosphorus availability plays a significant role in plant growth and tuber development. This study evaluated potato productivity and nutrient dynamics across three P fertilizer application rates, compared with an unfertilized control. The addition of 35 lb P2O5 acre-1 significantly increased potato tuber yield compared to the untreated control, though there were no yield differences among the P rates tested. Findings support that correct phosphorus fertilization directly enhances potato P as well as nitrogen uptake and overall productivity, whereas rates exceeding production potential are not justified by the crop response, representing greater economic and environmental risk.
Keywords: Potatoes, phosphorus, nitrogen, tuber yield
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