Potato farming is a lesser-known cornerstone of the US economy. The potatoes grown here keeps many other food service productions and companies afloat. One of the largest threats to potato production is early potato blight. However organic farming increases soil and crop biodiversity, meaning organic potatoes have a better chance of fending off this disease.
There is no doubt the demand for organic potatoes is on the rise. According to industry research, the demand for organic potatoes has double since 2014 and accounts for $120.1 million in fresh sales alone. To meet this growing need, organic farmers need to ensure they are getting a consistent crop yield year over year. The best way to accomplish this task is by using the best organic fertilizer.
How to Grow the Best Potatoes Naturally
Potato growing may sound like an easy plant to grow, however, they are not always as simple as they seem. These crops are susceptible to several diseases and pests that can challenge even the most seasoned farmer.
Early or late season blight is caused by a fungus that can ingest an entire or portion of a crop, significantly reducing the yield. During the early spring months, cutworms can eat through the stems of the potato plant, causing dieback. Throughout the rest of the growing season, aphids and other small insects can attack the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants.
Potatoes like any crop need the right combination of elements to grow successfully. Here are a few tips to help achieve the best results,
- Plant potatoes in acidic soil of 5.0 pH
- Space potato seeds 6 to 8 inches apart
- Use organic compost to introduce beneficial microbes to the soil
- Plant after the ground has thawed, avoiding planting too early before the last frost
- Fertilize to ensure appropriate nutrient balance
Fertilizer For Organic Potato Farmers
There are several different organic fertilizers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose which is best for your crop. But we’ve got you covered!
What NPK Fertilizer for Potatoes?
Potatoes perform well on an all purpose fertilizer, with lower NPK measurements as compared to a high Nitrogen fertilizer such as a 13-0-0. Potatoes like a balanced fertilizer, such as a 2-3-3.
If you’re trying to take a natural approach to growing your own potatoes, finding a natural 2-3-3 fertilizer can be a challenge, which is why we recommend a 4-3-2 NPK fertilizer such as chicken manure pellets.
Manure pellets have a slower release, while offering nutrient credits for the following cropping season.
It has been shown that chicken manure, specifically chicken manure pellets, is an excellent fertilizer for potato farmers.
Potatoes thrive in calcium-rich soil, this helps produce large full flavor potatoes. Chicken manure pellets contain up to 7% calcium.
These pellets also release their nutrients slowly over 3 months. This ensures the potatoes have the nutrients they need through a significant portion of the growing season. This type of fertilizer is also rich in beneficial organisms. This promotes healthy soil and can help fend off potentially damaging fungal or bacterial infections.
Early or late season blight is caused by a fungus that can ingest an entire or portion of a crop, significantly reducing the yield. During the early spring months, cutworms can eat through the stems of the potato plant, causing dieback. Throughout the rest of the growing season, aphids and other small insects can attack the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants.
Potatoes like any crop need the right combination of elements to grow successfully. Here are a few tips to help achieve the best results,
- Plant potatoes in acidic soil of 5.0 pH
- Space potato seeds 6 to 8 inches apart
- Use organic compost to introduce beneficial microbes to the soil
- Plant after the ground has thawed, avoiding planting too early before the last frost
- Fertilize to ensure appropriate nutrient balance
Can I use raw poultry manure on potatos?
We offer bulk turkey litter, raw chicken manure, and pelleted chicken manure for large scale organic farms. Of these three, we only recommend chicken manure pellets for the heat treating process they have gone through. Our pellets are OMRI listed, having gone through a heat treat process that makes them acceptable for use on crops grown in the soil.
If you plan to fertilize your own garden using raw poultry manure, we highly recommend amending the soil in the fall after the planting season is done. This will reduce the risk of disease transmission, such as Salmonella.
Your Trusted Crop Partner
If you are in need of top-quality organic fertilizer for your potatoes, contact the trusted crop experts at Crop Fertility Services. We have been helping supply organic farmers across the Midwest with their fertilizer needs. Our friendly and reliable staff are more than happy to provide you with more product information, to help make this crop growing season an even bigger success.
