Irrigation Frequency Strategies and Deep Fertilization in Potato Crop

The joint adoption of agronomic practices has often been employed to maximize the efficiency of production inputs, especially water and nutrients. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a highly demanding crop in both water and nutrients. This study aimed to determine the most appropriate strategy for irrigation frequency and planting fertilization depth in potato cultivated in amended soil, in order to maximize plant growth, tuber yield, and tuber quality. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons, with irrigation frequencies of daily irrigation and irrigation every 4, 7, and 10 days, and planting fertilization depths of 10 and 20 cm. Irrigation frequency significantly affected agronomic traits, water consumption, potato growth, and tuber quality. Treatments did not influence root development across different soil layers. Irrigation intervals of 1 and 4 days promoted greater plant growth. A 7-day irrigation interval enhanced specific gravity and soluble solids in tubers, while a 10-day interval increased tuber dry matter content by up to 18% compared to daily irrigation (IF1). Decreasing irrigation frequency reduced the irrigation depth without affecting yield and average tuber mass, and improved water productivity. Water productivity increased by up to 32% under the 10 day irrigation interval (IF10) compared to IF1. Therefore, reducing irrigation frequency is a promising strategy to improve water use efficiency in potato cultivation.