Possibility of Limiting Mineral Fertilization in Potato Cultivation by Using Bio-fertilizer and Its Influence on Protein Content in Potato Tubers

Abstract

Potato protein is a valuable source of essential plant-derived amino acids, the composition of which is similar to that of chicken egg protein considering the amino acid reference. Many factors used in potato cultivation can modify its composition. The use of bio-fertilizers in potato growing offers a possibility of a better use of minerals from soil and organic sources and reducing the need for mineral fertilizers by activating minerals present in soil. The effect can be to improve not only the potato tuber yield but also the nutritional value. The aim of this study has been to determine the hanges in the content of crude protein and the composition of amino acids in potato tubers, depending on the application of the bio-fertilizer (UGmax), organic fertilizers (pea as a catch crop, straw, and farmyard manure (FYM)) as well as mineral fertilization (100% and 50% of the reference rate). The application of bio-fertilizer significantly increased the content of essential and non-essential amino acids in potato tuber protein. With the half-decreased mineral fertilization rate, bio-fertilizer most effectively increased the content of tyrosine, methionine, asparagine in potato tuber protein in the treatments with FYM or with a catch crop as well as without organic fertilization.