Researchers at Kazan State Agricultural University (Kazan SAU) have introduced a pioneering organomineral fertilizer that boosts potato yields by 3.2 tons per hectare, a gain of about 10.8%. The university shared these results with socialbites.ca as part of their ongoing agricultural innovations report.
Additionally, the new fertilizer reduced tuber losses caused by storage rots and raised the starch content in harvested potatoes by roughly 0.6%. These improvements indicate not only higher yields but also better post-harvest quality, extending shelf life and meeting consumer demand for consistent starch levels.
The organomineral formulation blends humic substances with organic waste from the food industry, representing a new class of eco-friendly, highly effective plant-nutrition solutions. By combining the rapid nutrient availability typical of mineral fertilizers with the soil-building advantages of organic amendments, this product promotes faster nutrient uptake while enhancing soil structure and long-term fertility.
In trials, the fertilizer was applied to Red Red potatoes grown in well-managed soils. For comparison, Biosok, a conventional organomineral fertilizer, served as the reference standard. The use of the experimental product resulted in an average yield increase of 1.6 t/ha, or 5.4% higher than the control scenario, demonstrating its competitive performance against established products.
Radik Safin, a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan and a professor at Kazan State Agricultural University, noted that the organomineral fertilizer marks a significant move toward sustainable agriculture. He explained that the approach not only elevates productivity but also supports more efficient resource use and limits waste, aligning with modern goals of environmental stewardship and economic viability for farmers.
The fertilizer relies on inexpensive natural inputs, including food-industry byproducts, which help keep production costs modest. The material costs for the fertilizer, calculated for this development, fall within a price range of 250 to 300 rubles per liter, suggesting accessible pricing for farmers while maintaining effective performance.
The broader implication of these findings is that farmers can achieve higher yields and improved potato quality without resorting to expensive, high-input systems. The approach integrates with existing agronomic practices, enabling a smoother transition for production operations seeking to reduce waste and optimize resource use without compromising profitability.
In summary, the Kazan SAU initiative presents an environmentally conscious, cost-aware option for potato production that couples rapid nutrient delivery with soil health benefits. As research continues, this organomineral fertilizer could become a practical, scalable solution for farmers in North America and other regions seeking sustainable yield gains and improved post-harvest quality.