Role of compost in mitigating the effect of water stress on potatoes

Abstract

The role of compost in mitigating the effect of water stress on potato growth was assessed using certain quality, production and biochemical parameters. The experiment was conducted with or without compost (30 tonnes/hectare) under three different water regimes (100, 75 and 50% ETc). The results showed that water stress affected all studied parameters. However, the presence of compost improved some quality parameters such as tuber size (over 82% of tubers are large-sized) and mean weight. Tuber deformation was observed only in plants grown in the absence of compost, with respective percentages ranging from 13.3% to 20.0% for treatments 75% to 50% ETC. The yield was less affected by water stress, especially with compost. In all cases, a membrane disintegration was noted but was less pronounced in the presence of compost. To overcome water stress, the potato plant accumulated soluble sugars and proline. These accumulations were greater in the presence of compost.

Keywords: Compost, potato, water stress, growth