Nontraditional production additives fail to improve potato yield and economic return

Manufacturers of nontraditional crop additives may claim products will enhance yield and improve economic return, yet many offer only grower testimonials for product validation rather than unbiased, peer-reviewed research. If the do not perform as described, they serve to reduce revenue. To investigate these claims in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), field trials were conducted near Othello, Washington from 2016 2019 on 27 additive treatments composed 32 products. Treatments applied using one or more application techniques: in-furrow surface bands, foliar sprays, chemigations/fertigations (applied through irrigation system) per manufacturer recommendations addition standard practices. Conventional nutrients be nonlimiting growth. Economic return was calculated a mock processing contract adjusted individual costs that ranged US$15 US$889 ha−1. Treatment-adjusted gross values <7.7% >8.5% treatment value, total yields 108 136 Mg ha−1, but differences control significant any treatment. Reclaim, surfactant, OneUP NutriCal, both specialty fertilizers, increased US No. 1 yield, average tuber weight, specific gravity, respectively. Some tested provide other benefits like soil health improvement water use reduction those parameters included this study. Growers should avoid applying unproven until are approved by an trustworthy research entity.