Mycorrhizal Effect on Potassium Availability, Potato Growth, and Yield in Relation to Potassium Fertilizer

Abstract

Abstract A field experiment was conducted to cultivate Arizona potatoes in a private field located in the Abu Gharq district of Babylon province during the autumn season 2023-2024. The soil type utilized was Typic Torrifluvent clay loam. The research encompassed the investigation of how potassium fertilizer concentrations and the efficacy of mycorrhizae inoculation affected potassium availability, growth, and yield. The potato plants were inoculated with three different concentrations of mycorrhizae, denoted as M0, M1, and M2, respectively, at weighing 0, 10, and 20 g per plant. This pertains to the initial factor, whereas the second factor illustrated the sequential addition of potassium fertilizer in the form of potassium sulfate to the soil at three different levels (0, 125, and 250) kg.ha−1, denoted by the symbols K0, K1, and K2, respectively. The study utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to conduct its experiments. The investigated vegetative growth characteristics were assessed at maturation, while leaf and tuber samples were collected to determine the concentrations of K, P, and N in the tubers and the soil subsequent to sowing. The results were evident. In comparison to the control treatment M0K0, the K2 M2 treatment exhibited greater values for vegetative growth trait indicators including plant height, number of main stems, leaf area, chlorophyll index, and dry weight of vegetative growth.