Abstract:
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), the major tuber crop grown in the Up country of Sri
Lanka occupies nearly 6000 ha. Badulla is the main potato-growing district in the
UCIZ. This study was conducted to evaluate the important chemical characteristics of
the soils in the intensive potato growing areas in Badulla district in relation to nutrient
management of potato cultivation. Soil pH, extractable P (OLSEN), exchangeable K
and organic matter content was determined for 1 0 0 samples, randomly selected form
the soil samples collected under National Soil Testing Programme.
The pH value of the soils in majority (64%) of intensive potato cultivation areas lies
between 4 and 5. More than 67% of potato lands in Badulla district recorded pH value
less than 5. Extractable P levels in 83% of lands are over 30 ppm while, exchangeable
K levels are Over 160 ppm, in 69% of the lands. Soil organic matter content of 80% of
tested samples recorded between 1 - 3%. These results reveal that the inappropriate
application, of fertilizer for potato cultivation in the UCIZ and possibility to cut down
phosphorus fertilizer by % from department of agriculture (DOA) recommendation and
V2 of potassium fertilizers for several seasons.
Accurate fertilizer usage is therefore utmost importance in intensive potato growing
areas in Badulla district to gain maximum benefits from the cultivation. Correction of
soil pH and addition of organic matter to improve soil health can play an important role
in increasing fertilizer use efficiency.
