Applied Fertilization Strategies for Enhancing Yield and Cost-Efficiency of Solanum tuberosum L. Varieties

Abstract

Abstract

Beyond its role as a major source of dietary energy, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a substantial contribution to food security. Increasing demand for potato production highlights the necessity of developing efficient and economically sustainable cultivation technologies. This study evaluated the effects of six fertilization systems on tuber yield and economic efficiency, including conventional, intensive conventional, organic, low-rate controlled-release, high-rate controlled-release, and conventional fertilization supplemented with potassium. For the study, two potato genotypes developed in the Potato Research and Development Station with different maturity were used: Secuiana (semi-early) and Redsec (semi-late). The study was performed under the pedoclimatic conditions of Târgu Secuiesc, Romania, during 2023–2025. Highly significant effects (p < 0.001) of year, genotype, fertilization system, and their interactions were observed. Climatic conditions were the primary factor influencing varietal performance, with mean yields ranging from 18.39 t ha−1 during the drought year (2025) to 36.18 t ha−1 in the favorable year (2024). The highest three-year average yield was obtained under the high-rate fertilization system (RV5) in the Redsec genotype (32.33 t ha−1), whereas within the Secuiana genotype, the organic fertilization system (SV4) achieved the greatest economic efficiency by combining relatively high productivity (27.67 t ha−1) with the lowest production costs (EUR 638.7 ha−1) and the highest yield-to-cost ratio. These findings demonstrate that optimized nutrient management can significantly improve potato yield and economic efficiency under variable climatic conditions.