New Perstorp fertilizer solution shown to increase potato yield by up to 22 percent
New research from the University of Lublin in Poland demonstrates that Perstorp’s chloride-free potassium source Amicult™ K42 significantly increases potato yield when compared to non-foliar fertilization and other potassium source foliar feeding. The results highlight how this new product can make a real impact on profit margins and overall performance.
Amicult™ K42 was shown to improve potato yield by up to 22 percent when compared to non-foliar fertilization. Furthermore, the innovative fertilizer solution was found to improve yield by an average of 17,2 percent over 2 years compared to when foliar fertilization was not applied. When compared to potassium sulphate, the most common potassium source for potatoes, Amicult™ K42 improved yield by a significant 3-4 percent.
The promising new findings are the result of field experiments conducted with potato and foliar fertilization by University of Lublin Life Sciences researchers on behalf of Perstorp. The potato yield trials took place in field conditions at three locations with different soils, during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons in the Zakrzew, Lublin region.
Dr. Slawomir Michalek, PhD of Lublin University, who lead the research, is confident on the potential for this new fertilizer solution. “Our team is studying the impact of different foliar fertilizers, in order to compare their effect on the crops. After three years of studies, it is clear that Amicult™ K42 has a significant positive impact on potato yield, also compared to other foliar fertilizer components,” he notes.
Martina Håkansson, Business Development Director at Perstorp, concurs. “This work further demonstrate the potential for Perstorp Amicult™ K42 as a water soluble, chloride-free potassium source which can work wonders for crop quality and yield. We are excited that the body of evidence in growing around Amicult™ as the smart way to increase profitability, improving crop yield and water use efficiency”, she adds.
Perstorp, a global leader in the specialty chemicals market, entered the fertilizer market with the launch of Amicult™ K42. The chloride-free and water soluble potassium source is ideal in a wide range of fertilization and irrigation methods, thanks to its high solubility and safe handling. In foliar fertilization, the high uptake, high solubility and liquid form ensure that it’s an optimal tool for increasing crop yield.
The product’s low deliquescense point means that Amicult™ K42 is perfect for fertilization in dry periods. The absence of chloride helps to ensure that there are none of its associated negative effects in crops. Amicult™ K42 is well-suited to drip irrigation, due to its high solubility, which helps maintain efficiency in irrigation systems. The solution poses minimal risk to the clogging of drip irrigation pipes, so that potassium uptake is efficient over the hole field. Since Amicult K42™ is a low salt index product, the risk of adding new salination problems to the soil is also reduced.
Amicult™ K42 is initially available in Brazil, Chile and US through Perstorp direct sales and in Europe through Perstorp direct sales and Perstorp’s storefront at Knowde.
