Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Effect of Sulfur Sources and Rate of Application on the Yield and Quality of Potato Tubers C.V. Russet Burbank

Abstract: A study was conducted in 1995 and 1996 in New Denmark, Victoria county, N.B, to evaluate the effect of two sources of sulfur, ammonium sulfate and gypsum, applied at 0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 Kg S/Ha, on the yield and quality of potato tubers, c.v. Russet Burbank. Different results were obtained in 1995 and 1996. In 1995, additional sulfur did not influence significantly the total yield. However, the marketable yield was 25 % higher where sulfur was applied (P<0.05). Although ammonium sulfate further increased the sulfur tissue levels, both sources were efficient in overcoming the sulfur deficiency. Increasing the rate of application above 25 Kg S/Ha did not further increase the marketable yield, for both sources. Sulfur concentration in the fourth leaf, approximately 60 days after planting, indicated that < 0.38 % and > 0.44 % were in the deficiency and sufficiency range, respectively. The results indicated that sulfur deficiency could occurred in New Brunswick's potato production. Although the lack of response to sulfur in 1996 could not be explained, it appeared that potato crop growing in acidic soils low in organic matter and/or in droughty conditions may benefit from additional sulfur.

¹ Land Resources Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
²Regional Office, NBDARD, Grand Falls, NB E3Z 1G1