Qrop Mix® use in split applications according to the potato crop stage

Qrop Mix® use in split applications according to the potato crop stage proves to be an excellent tool to increase both yield, ROI (return on investment) and NUE (Nitrogen Use Efficiency)

Belgium is a leading producer and exporter of industrial ware potatoes. The area for potato production has doubled in the past 10 years, with a 90% of the production contracted to processors. Thes processors require homogeneous, big and storeable tubers.

It is already known, that compared to the standard commodity use of MOP and Urean, the use of KNO3 based granular (mixes) has a positive impact on the uptake efficiency of not only nitrogen and potassium, but also on magnesium and calcium (synergistic uptake with nitrate-N), resulting in improved yield and quality.

In the meantime, many western European countries like Belgium are confronted with environmental legislations forcing them to improve nutrient use efficiency. The potato crop is known to be less efficient in Nitrogen Use Efficiency related to it’s weak root system, and while there are severe consequences for grower’s to deal with Nitrogen losses to the environment, there is an increased attention to best available technologies and practices to minimize losses and improve nutrient efficiencies. It is also already recognised that split applications are a good practice to improve nutrient use efficiency.

Therefore, SQM uses a concept of split applications with Qrop Mix®, improving nutrient use efficiency, increasing yield and quality with a good return on investment.

In collaboration with a leading agro-supplier in the country, a research trial conducted by the Viaverda national research centre for open field potatoes and vegetables was performed during the 2024 production season.

In this trial organized in random block with 4 repetitions, a comparison was done between 3 treatments:

• A local standard based on MOP and Urean with High N
• A local standard based on MOP and Urean with low N
• SQM’s Qrop® Mix program at low N, using Qrop® Mix Development in the base dressing at planting and Qrop® Mix Production in the side dressing before row closure

The trial was conducted in loamy soil with good physical and chemical properties, under a moderate climate during a season that showed both wetter as dryer periods under relatively moderate temperatures.

The results can be summarized as follows:

Conclusions: see infographic