Dynamics of Changes in the Nitrate Content in Potato Tubers in the Household Plot and Areas of Agricultural Importance of Gulagarak Village of Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia

Key words: potato variety Madeleine, growing season, manure, sodium nitrate (NaNO3), maximum permissible level, fertilizer Gulagarak is located in the southeastern part of the Lori Marz in the Republic of Armenia. Household potato fields and areas of agricultural importance were chosen as the subjects of the research. The pollution of fields with organic and mineral fertilizers, in particular (NaNO3), has been studied. The dynamics of nitrate content in potato tubers of the Madeleine variety at different stages of vegetation has been studied. Research data showed that throughout the entire growing season, the nitrates levels in tubers of plants, grown on the household fields, exceeded the amount of nitrates in tubers of potatoes grown in fields of agricultural importance, but within acceptable limits. We assume that this is due to the prolonged use, improper dosage and subsequent accumulation of NaNO3 in the soil. Subsequently, the use of organic fertilizer led to a deterioration of the soil condition of the household fields. In fields of agricultural importance, the application rates of sodium nitrate correspond to the standards adopted in agriculture. In all repetitions of the studied sites, there is a strong correlation between the maturation of tubers and the accumulation of nitrates. It turned out that from the beginning of budding to full blooming, the nitrate content in young potato tubers is the lowest; so at this stage, potatoes are considered the safest to use.