Root and Tuber Crops Fertilizer Solutions
Optimizing Nutrient Balance for Potatoes, Cassava, and Sweet Potatoes with Terafon’s Advanced Formulations
Introduction to Root & Tuber Food Crops
Root and tuber food crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and yams play a vital role in global food security and industrial starch production. These crops typically exhibit high demand for nutrients, especially potassium and phosphorus, and respond strongly to well-timed fertiliser inputs despite being often grown on marginal soils.
Nutrient Requirements
Key macro- and micro-nutrients for tuber development and quality.
| Nutrient | Function | Deficiency Symptoms | Recommended Fertilizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Vegetative growth, tuber initiation | Weak foliage, low tuber count | Urea, NPK 15-15-15 |
| Phosphorus (P) | Root/tuber formation, energy transfer | Poor root system, delayed bulking | Mono/di-ammonium phosphate, NPK 12-24-12 |
| Potassium (K) | Tuber bulking, starch accumulation, stress tolerance | Small tubers, hollow or shrivelled tubers | Potassium chloride (MOP), NPK 8-12-30 |
| Sulfur (S) | Protein synthesis, root growth | Stunted plants, pale leaves | Sulphate blends, S-enriched NPK |
| Zinc (Zn) | Enzyme activation, tuber quality | Leaf mottling, low tuber yield | Chelated Zn, Zn-sulphate |
| Boron (B) | Tuber cell division, quality & storage life | Misshapen tubers, internal hollow-heart | Boron-based foliar/soil fertilizers |
For example, in potato crops nutrients removal may reach over 300 kg K/ha and ~150 kg N/ha at high yields.
Fertilizer Recommendations
Fertilisation for root and tuber crops is most effective when aligned with crop growth phases and soil test data. Below are general guidelines to adapt per local conditions.
Pre-planting / Ridge Preparation
Incorporate a balanced basal fertiliser with moderate N, higher P and K (e.g., NPK 15-20-20) plus organic matter where available to improve soil structure and tuber-friendly rooting.
Early Vegetative Growth / Tuber Initiation
Apply supplemental nitrogen and sulphur to support foliage growth and vegetative development; split applications of N improve uptake efficiency.
Tuber Bulking & Filling
Focus on potassium and phosphorus: side-dressing or fertigation of K to meet high bulking demand, ensure P supply continues for energy metabolism and tuber filling. Use foliar micronutrient sprays (Zn, B) if signs of deficiency appear.
Pre-Harvest / Maturation
Recommended Products
Terafon® TuberMax NPK 15-20-20
Terafon® Potassi-Boost K40
Terafon® MicroTuber (Zn + B + S)
Terafon® SoilGuard Organic-Mineral
Application Guidelines by Growth Stage
Pre-Plant / Ridge Prep
Tuber Initiation
Tuber Bulking
Pre-Harvest & Storage Prep
Results & Benefits
- Increased tuber yield and kilogram-per-hectare potential
- Improved starch content and tuber size uniformity
- Better nutrient use efficiency and reduced waste
- Stronger roots, healthier plants and better stress resilience
- Improved storage life, skin set and marketable quality
Related Food Crops
Explore nutrition solutions for other food-crop groups:
Contact & Resources
Need agronomic advice for your root & tuber crop fertiliser plan? Our specialists will design a custom nutrient strategy for your farm.
© Terafon Fertilizer — Root & Tuber Food Crops Nutrition • Privacy
