The effect of manure application timing, mineral fertilisers and planting density on potato growth and development

Akylbek Nurgaliyev , Gulbaram Nurgaliyeva , Meyiramgul Musina , Lyudmila Makeyeva , Talgat Salikhov
Received: 19.12.2025 Revised: 16.04.2026 Accepted: 27.05.2026 Published: 29.05.2026
Retrieved from Vol. 29, No. 2, 2026 Pages: 20-32
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Abstract

Increasing potato production should be achieved not only by expanding the cultivated area, but primarily by increasing crop yields. To improve potato productivity, the rational use of local organic fertilisers, alongside mineral fertilisers, is of considerable importance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the growth and development of potato plants in relation to the timing of manure application in combination with mineral fertilisers and planting density. Field experiments were conducted using a systematic design, with treatments arranged in tiers and replicated three times. The smallest number of stems was formed under the application of mineral fertilisers at a rate of N60P120K60 and a planting scheme of 70×25 cm (5.8 stems per plant). The largest number of stems was observed when 40 t/ha of manure was applied during autumn ploughing in combination with mineral fertilisers at a rate of N90P120K60 (7.2 stems per plant), as well as when manure was applied after spring re‑ploughing of autumn-ploughed soil, followed by planting according to the 70×35 cm scheme (7.4 stems per plant). The number of stems increased with an expanded feeding area by 0.1-0.3 stems. On average, over three years, spring application of 40 t/ha of manure on the N60P120K60 background increased the number of leaves to 50.6, compared with 41.3 leaves under N90P120K60. The weight of the haulm of a single plant varied depending on the feeding area, the year of cultivation and the timing of manure application. When the feeding area was expanded to 70×35 cm, the weight of the haulm increased. The highest average haulm yield over three years (61.20 t/ha) was obtained when manure was applied during autumn ploughing, and potatoes were planted according to the 70×25 cm scheme. With the expanded feeding area, haulm yield was 50.20 t/ha, which was 11 t/ha lower. A similar pattern was observed for the other experimental treatments. Based on the results of field experiments conducted under production conditions, recommendations can be developed for producers on the most efficient use of organic and mineral fertilisers to increase potato productivity

Keywords

field research; yield improvement; ploughing; plant haulm weight

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Nurgaliyev , A., Nurgaliyeva , G., Musina , M., Makeyeva , L., & Salikhov, T. (2026). The effect of manure application timing, mineral fertilisers and planting density on potato growth and development . Scientific Horizons, 29(2), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.48077/scihor2.2026.20