Effect of sulfur, calcium, and boron on tissue nutrient concentration and potato yield¹

Abstract

Abstract Field studies were conducted over three years on Podzol soils in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) on the effect of sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and boron (B) fertilization on tissue nutrient concentration and potato yield. Leaf tissues were sampled at 10% bloom and again two weeks later for S, Ca, and B analysis. In the absence of S fertilization, S deficiency symptoms, as evidenced by lighter green foliage were found. The mean tuber yield response due to S addition was 1.1 (SE = 0.40) t/ha. Addition of S either as gypsum or magnesium sulfate was effective in overcoming the S deficiency symptoms and in increasing the S concentration in the leaves. Calcium and B additions did not affect the tuber yields. While Ca applications were ineffective in increasing the Ca concentration in the leaf tissue, B applications significantly increased the leaf tissue B concentration in both samplings. The interaction effects between S, Ca, and B were not significant on any of the components tested. Data indicated that 0.25 to 0.27 and 0.28 to 0.32% S in potato leaves were in the S deficiency and sufficiency range, respectively. This is the first documented case of S deficiency in the field in P.E.I. Potatoes and possibly other crops should be monitored for S‐deficiency symptoms and S levels in plant tissues should be recorded to detect any trends.