Our research made understandable: robust tubers!
For plants to develop properly they need the following three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
However, soils are not always able to provide appropriate quantities of these elements for the plants. And the same applies to water. This is why it is important to examine methods that can enhance the resistance and nutrient utilization of potatoes under stressful conditions caused by a lack of nutrients and water.
In early April, within the framework of the SOLACE project, we started experimenting with potatoes at Szent István University Organic Farming Sector.
In the first part of the experiment, three different inoculants, a mixture of bacteria and fungi, were added. These 
microbial consortiums can help the plant absorb nutrients faster and more efficiently from the soil. In the second part of the experiment, we used crop rotation, which means that before this year’s potato cultivation, the previous crops used on the same area were rye and soybeans. In this case, we examine how the nitrogen fixing ability of leguminous plants (soy) can affect this year’s crop yield.
To further complicate the experiment, our plants will receive different nutrient, fertilization and water supplies, with some plants being well supplied, and some being undernourished, under watered to stress the potatoes. Altogether we are working with more than 250 parcels in this experiment.
Are you curious about how potatoes can be relaxed in these new circumstances? Then follow our page! We’ll let you know about our developments soon!
