Effects of mineral and organic fertilization on potato production in sandy soil in arid region

The natural conditions: high temperatures, sandy soils with very low levels of organic matter and nutrients, saline water in the Oued Souf region are not favorable, in general, for agriculture. Despite these difficulties, the cultivation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is very successful by the farmers of this region. However, the indiscriminate use of organic and chemical fertilizers remains a problem, contributing to pollution, especially in groundwater. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of mineral and organic fertilization on the yield of potatoes in the case of sandy soil. We followed the cultivation of the Fabulla potato variety on three local farms. One farm was located in Kouinine and received an application of 42 tons/ha of poultry manure, 250 kg/ha of N.P.Ks sulfated base (15-15-15), and 50 kg/ha of urea. The second farm was in Robbah and received an application of 24 tons/ha of cattle manure, 300 kg/ha of MAP (N.P: 12-52), and 50 kg/ha of Sulfan (total N, NO3, NH4: 24-12-12). The third farm was in Mih Ouansa and received an application of 21 tons/ha of poultry manure before planting and 7 tons/ha of the same manure after the plants had grown. During this study, we took samples of irrigation water, soil and finally we calculate the yield of potatoes. The results obtained from soil analysis at the flowering and maturation stages of potatoes show low N, P and K contents according to interpretation standards. In the end, the highest yield was observed on the third farm (Mih Ouansa), where they exclusively used organic fertilization in the form of 28 tons per hectare of poultry manure. In conclusion, farmers have to be aware of the environmental and economic consequences of the different organic amendments use.