Stacking and Intersecting Nitrogen 4Rs on Potato: Economic Analysis

Abstract The 4Rs of nutrient management is an initiative to balance economics with sustainability. The objective was to evaluate individual and stacked 4R practices on potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) profitability. Treatments included all combinations of two nitrogen (N) sources (urea or polymer coated urea [PCU]), two rates (82 or 100%), and/or two timing/placements (at emergence or split-applied). Gross income and net profit were determined using yields, market sale data, and costs. Total gross income was greatest for PCU split applied and PCU at emergence in 2020 and 2023, respectively. Gross income and net profit were higher for the full rate for PCU compared to urea. The detrimental effect of the reduced rate disappeared with PCU, but not urea. A reduced rate of PCU was similar to a full rate of split applied urea. These data suggest that PCU is a profitable N source for potato even at reduced rates.