A recent trial at J & J Burnett Ltd.'s Farm near Newark has delivered promising results for potato growers, showing that targeted nutrient applications can significantly increase both yield and tuber size. The trial, conducted on Innovator potatoes under the guidance of root crop agronomist Howard Hinds from Agronomy Connection, tested the effect of Wholly K on potato bulking.

The trial tested how the nutrient Wholly K affected potato bulking. "This was the first potato trial I've conducted personally with Unium Bioscience products, although I've seen plenty of strong results from other trials," said Howard. "It was important to run a small, controlled trial to see how Wholly K could influence potato bulking here at Burnett Farm."

Wholly K is a potassium metabolite complex designed to deliver K when conditions may limit soil uptake and the trial was a randomised small plot (four replicate) design, with treatments applied twice: in May and June. Yield assessments were made after the crop was burned off at the end of August. "Digs along 3-metre stretches of the bed were made for all plots, with tuber number and yield assessed for size and length," said Howard.

Trial results:

• Treatment: Wholly K, 2.0 L/ha, applied twice on 30 May & 24 June
• Yield: 49.44 t/ha
• Effect: Increased yield by 5.07 t/ha compared to untreated (44.37 t/ha)
• Summary: Twice-applied Wholly K boosted potato yield by ~11.4% over the control.

"The results were very encouraging," Howard explained. "Across the trial, we saw over 10% of an increase in yield, and the tubers were larger and longer,  which is particularly important for chipping potatoes."

The trial findings are consistent with previous studies showing that these products can improve both total yield and tuber number. In a farming environment where fertiliser costs remain high and essential nutrients like potash and phosphate are not always fully available, targeted nutritional inputs like Wholly K can help fill these gaps.

"Even with high phosphate indices, nutrients can become locked up in the soil, limiting availability," Howard noted. "These products help the plant access nutrients when it needs them most, supporting steady growth and bulking."

The Burnett Farm trial represents a first step, with plans to extend the trial in future seasons to confirm and build upon these initial findings. For growers, the results provide practical evidence that Wholly K can complement standard fertiliser programmes, enhancing yield and tuber size without changing regular management practices.

"In the end, it's about giving the crop the best chance to reach its potential," said Howard. "Even small improvements in yield and tuber size can make a real difference for growers."

This trial highlights the potential of targeted crop inputs to complement traditional fertilisers. Continued testing will help growers gain confidence in products like Wholly K as part of a comprehensive, practical strategy for root crops.