Symposium Presentation of THE POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Production and Management Section: Future Challenges for Potato Nutrient Management: Symposium Introduction

American Journal of Potato Research, Jul/Aug 2005 by Hiller, Larry K

This symposium was the first major session of the 82nd Annual Meeting of The Potato Association of America. Sponsored by the Production and Management section, the symposium explored the topic "Future Challenges for Potato Nutrient Management."

Dramatic changes have occurred in the nutrient management of potato crops during the past decade. There has been increased emphasis on reducing non-target/environmental impacts and movement towards definable, sustainable production systems. Good agricultural and management practices are necessary for environmental concerns, crop yields and quality, and food safety awareness. Nutrient management is needed to help prevent losses from potato diseases that are responsive to soil nutrient availability. New technologies and site-specific management are being introduced that selectively apply fertilizers based on soil nutrient availability. The Symposium topics provided an informative review of the present situation in these areas and a thoughtful look into the future challenges that will be considerations in managing the nutritional needs of potato crops.

Dr. Dale Westermann (USDA Soil Scientist, Kimberly, Idaho) presented a general review of the nutrient requiremerits of potato crops, uptake and mobility of the nutrients, and the soil-nutrient relationships important in achieving high yield and quality in potato production. Dr. David Lambert (The University of Maine) reviewed important diseases affected by soil nutrient availability and how nutrient relationships influence the development and expression of these potato diseases. Dr. Joan Davenport (Washington State University, Prosser) discussed current management practices such as water systems and fertility interactions in nutrient management that may contribute to environmental concerns. Dr. Jeff Stark (University of Idaho, Aberdeen) presented research and insight into how crop rotations and cropping systems may be used to improve nutrient availability and recycling while minimizing adverse environmental effects. All of the topics related to the recent advances in site-specific management, also known as precision agriculture or precision farming in potatocropping systems. This approach is based on the identification of variability within a field or area and then modifying inputs or management strategies accordingly. The Symposium reported on research efforts as well as applications by growers and industry toward the comparison and adoption of this new and evolving technology.

Larry K. Hiller, Organizing Committee Co-Chair

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6414, USA