Potato and magnesium, the perfect combination

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One of the most popular foods in the world, the potato is a tuber originating in South America, of great importance in the vegetable production sector. As it is an energetic food, it has carbohydrates, high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, essential for good nutritional nutrition.

The world's main producers of the tuber are concentrated in the northern hemisphere, particularly China, India, Russia, Ukraine and the United States. In Brazil, the main producing states are Minas Gerais, Bahia, Goiás, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, contributing to the supply of approximately 3,5 million tons of potatoes. The estimated planting area is 100.000ha, which can be produced throughout the year. 

With genetic advancement and appropriate agronomic practices, the productivity achieved is increasingly greater, contributing to greater competitiveness and sustainability of the production chain. For plants to reach their maximum productive potential, favorable climatic conditions, excellent quality seeds, good phytosanitary management and adequate nutritional planning are necessary. In this planning, deep, structured, well-drained soils with good fertility and preferably flat topography are sought, facilitating mechanization.

After mechanization processes, aiming to improve physical attributes, good soil sampling is extremely important to evaluate chemical attributes. Based on the results, it is possible to make corrections so that the soil adequately provides all the nutrients necessary for the full development and production of the crop. 

A common corrective practice is the application of limestone, aiming to increase the pH of the soil. By increasing the pH to appropriate levels, the availability of nutrients by plants increases. Another positive point of increasing pH is the reduction of aluminum, which can be toxic to plants, hindering root development. Furthermore, liming provides calcium and magnesium, important nutrients for root development. Studies indicate that adequate supply of calcium to the crop can influence better productivity, larger tuber size and reduced severity of diseases, such as common scab (Streptomyces spp.).

Mineral nutrition is one of the main factors contributing to the high productive potential of the crop. Studies demonstrate that potato crops have a higher response capacity to fertilization compared to other crops. These factors, related to the relatively short cycle, are essential for decision-making regarding the supply of nutrients depending on the production potential and the use of highly available fertilizers for correct nutrition. 

Maximum absorption of N, P, Ca, Mg and S occurs in the initial tuber filling phase, approximately 45 to 70 days after planting. Potassium absorption is concentrated between 40 and 60 days after planting. 

To contribute to high productivity and production of better quality food, Mosaic Fertilizers offers K-Mag. K-Mag is an exclusive product from Mosaic that combines potassium, magnesium and highly solubility sulfur in the same granule, as it is a double sulfate of potassium and magnesium.

The supply of highly soluble magnesium to plants contributes to an increase in chlorophyll and consequently an increase in photosynthetic rate. After the synthesis of carbohydrates from photosynthesis, magnesium helps transport photoassimilates from the leaves to the tubers, providing an increase in production and quality. Furthermore, plants with high magnesium availability tend to have better phosphorus use efficiency, due to the synergistic effect between the nutrients. 

Aiming to meet the crop's need for magnesium, with K-Mag the producer will also apply part of the crop's need for potassium. This potassium provided by K-Mag is in the form of sulfate, which contributes to a reduction in the supply of chlorine to the soil. This factor can influence better tuber quality, with higher dry matter and starch contents, in addition to favoring a better biological balance in the soil. 

Highly available sulfur, in the form of sulfate, contributes to rapid absorption and increased protein content in plants. Another interesting point about sulfur is its interaction with nitrogen, where plants with an adequate supply of sulfur have their nitrogen use efficiency improved, due to nutrient synergy.

Research studies carried out by Mosaic point to a considerable increase in potato productivity, demonstrating that it is a viable alternative for supplying magnesium, potassium and sulfur in partial replacement of KCl. 

Mosaic Fertilizers offers K-Mag, which contains 21% K2O, 10,5% Mg and 21%S, and also in special formulations for planting and maintaining potato crops. 

ROBSON EIJI MURATE