Harvesting a record potato crop. Soak potatoes in this remedy and you will have the biggest harvest ever.
One of the most important trace elements that potatoes need for proper development is boron. This is because it not only stimulates the growth of the stems and leaves, but also the root system. It also boosts the plant’s immunity and even improves the taste of the tubers.
It helps potatoes grow stronger
If your potato plants are lacking in boron, it’s easy to see. The leaves will become pale and curly, the petioles will turn pink and the stems will become brittle. A boron-deficient plant has a harder time absorbing nitrogen and calcium from the soil. It is therefore important that potatoes are supplied with boron throughout the growing season.
Boron also has important antiseptic properties. It should therefore also be used to soak sprouting tubers and treat them just before planting.
Soak in the elixir of health and strength
To give potatoes strong, viable sprouts, soak them for 20-30 minutes in a solution of 10 litres of water, 10g of boron, 1g of potassium permanganate, 5g of copper sulphate, 60g of superphosphate and 40g of urea.
Potatoes to be sprouted can also be sprayed with a 0.1% solution of boric acid, i.e. 1g per 1 litre of water. This will protect them from infection. Sprinkling the tubers with wood ash, which contains sufficient boron, before planting will also help. However, the tubers must be dry when dusting and the ash must be evenly spread over them. The use of wood ash increases the starch content of the tubers by 1-2% and improves the final taste of the potatoes.
Get up to 15% higher yield
Boron is also used as a fertiliser and, if used correctly, can increase potato yields by up to 15%. In addition, the substance acts as a growth stimulant. Plants fertilised with boron can better tolerate the vagaries of the weather and excess lime in the soil. They are also less likely to get scab and contain much more vitamin C in the autumn.
But if you also use wood ash for fertiliser, remember that 1kg contains 0.2g – 0.7g of boron. And excess boron is bad for plants. The lower leaves turn yellow and start to curl prematurely.
Even for humans, this substance is only useful in moderate doses. If there is too much of it in food, it begins to accumulate in the body and is very slowly excreted. High concentrations of boric acid can then cause poisoning. Therefore, its use in agriculture has been banned. If you do not have it in stock, you can substitute it with Bor 150, which is commonly available in shops.
