Manitoba Potato Study Demonstrates Benefits of ESN

All treatments were applied at the same total N rate (142 lbs N/acre at Carmen and 107 lbs N/acre at Carberry). All pre-plant applications were broadcast and incorporated immediately before planting. Potatoes were planted May 15 at Carmen and May 22 at Carberry. The ‘ESN blend’ treatment consisted of a blend of 50% of the total N as ESN and 50% urea pre-plant. ‘Pre-plant+side-dress treatments consisted of 40% of total N pre-plant and 60% broadcast just before hilling in late June. ‘Pre-plant+fertigation’ treatments consisted of 60% of total N pre-plant followed by either three or four fertigation applications applied as UAN solution approximately weekly from mid-July to mid-August. Potatoes were irrigated as needed thru the growing season and harvested in mid-September.

This study of potato nitrogen (N) management options in Manitoba demonstrates how ESN can produce top yields while saving the grower time and fuel for extra applications. The graph below shows a comparison of potato yields averaged over two locations in Manitoba for various N management options. One pre-plant application of ESN was compared with urea, an ESN/urea blend, split applications of urea and Super U, and two different fertigation programs. The study was conducted at two Manitoba locations (Carmen and Carberry). Yields shown are the average of the two locations.

• One pre-plant ESN application produced greater yields than pre-plant or split applications of urea.
• One pre-plant ESN application produced yields similar to the best management practice of multiple fertigation applications.
• The benefits of ESN’s controlled nitrogen feeding are a great fit for potatoes.