Potatoes have always been of interest of ours, due to their crop cycle and nutritional needs.

Planted Passion has recently had multiple Potato growers reach out for information on our calcium fertiliser Algen ULTRA (35.7% Ca, calcified algae), VibroCALCITE (39.1% Ca and vibro activated mineral tech) and other fertilisers.

Calcium is one of the essential plant nutrients in potatoes and performs a significant role in plant membrane structure and function where it contributes to maintenance of cell membrane stability and wall structure.

Calcium therefore can increase the potato plant tissue resistance against biotic, abiotic stress and increases the plants ability to prevent disease.

There are many reports that provide evidence that indicate that potato tuber quality can be enhanced by increasing the calcium content of the tubers.

Supplementary our fertiliser options in the rhizosphere and plant stomata can increase the Calcium concentration of the tubers and result in improved quality and yield.

Calcium is one of the most important elements in the soil and it is a very an important factor of plant growth and production in potatoes.

Various studies have proved the following:

• One may increase average tuber size, tuber weight and decrease tuber numbers.
• Increasing Calcium in the plant enhances plant tissue resistance to bacterial phytopathogens, and also enhances the structural of cell walls and membranes.
• Added Calcium fertiliser can increase the concentration in the tubers and reduce storage rot, internal defects, physiological disorders while improving plant health and tuber skin.
• Elevating the levels of Calcium in the tubers had significant impact on the potato crop growth and overall quality.

One farm we have been working with in the Manjimup area are using VibroCALCITE for foliar and Algen ULTRA through a Pivot.

• The foliar product is made from Calcite rock utilising the Vibro activated mineral technology.
• The fertigation product is made from Calcified Algae and is specifically proven to show benefits through soil application.

After just two weeks we have already seen results with the most impressive being any new or lateral growth seems more upright, stronger and darker in colour.

We are optimistic that the right involvement of Calcium will strengthen this farm’s yield and quality.

If any of this information is providing insight into your potato production experience, please reach out to see how Planted Passion may assist you.