Potato nitrogen groups

Nitrogen requirements of potatoes are determined by the nitrogen group of the variety and the length of its growing season. Find out what the requirements are and how to assign the groups.

Read research reports on determinacy and N management in potatoes

Identifying the varieties nitrogen group

Nitrogen recommendations split potato varieties into one of four groups according to their degree of determinacy (a measure of the crop’s capacity to maintain leaf production after the first appearance of flowers). AHDB research at NIAB-CUF has consistently shown that for a given length of growing season, indeterminate varieties (groups 3 and 4) require less nitrogen than determinate varieties (groups 1 and 2).

The table below lists potato varieties by nitrogen group. It includes the ratings for those varieties included in previous editions of this guide while others are assigned to a group based on the new in-field method developed by AHDB.

In addition, factors such as total nutrient balance, water availability and seed management will also influence foliage longevity. The list is provided as an indication of determinacy groups, but you are advised to seek the latest information from your agronomist or seed supplier for any particular variety.

Variety determinacy groups

Group 1 – Short haulm longevity	Group 2 – Medium haulm longevity	Group 3 – Long haulm longevity	Group 4 – Very long haulm longevity
Determinate varieties	Partially determinate varieties	Indeterminate varieties
Accord	Atlantic	Agria	Asterix
Annabelle	Amanda	Ambo	Brooke
Anya	Arcade	Amora	Cara
Colmo	Carlingford	Arsenal	Electra*
Estima	Charlotte	Cabaret	Lady Balfour
Innovator	Courage	Caesar	Markies
Maris Bard	Dundrod	Cosmos	Royal
Minerva	Endeavour	Cultra	Vales Everest
Premiere	Harmony	Daisy	Vales Sovereign
Rocket	Juliette	Desiree
Vales Emerald	Kestrel	Eos
Winston	Lady Claire	Fambo
	Lady Rosetta	Fianna
	Marfona	Hermes
	Maris Peer	Jelly
	Maritiema	Kerr's Pink
	Melody	King Edward
	Miranda	Lady Christl
	Mozart	Lady Valora
	Nadine	Maris Piper
	Nectar	Morene
	Nicola	Navan
	Orchestra	Pentland Dell
	Orla	Pentland Squire
	Osprey	Picasso
	Pentland Javelin	Record
	Rembrandt	Rooster
	Romano	Russet Burbank
	Saxon	Sante
	Shannon	Sassy
	Shepody	Saturna
	Vivaldi	Shelford
	VR808	Slaney
	Wilja	Stemster
		Valor
		Victoria

Information provided by NIAB-CUF and AHDB

*At the high end of recommendations

Bold – added 2021

In-field method for assigning nitrogen group (determinacy) in potatoes

This practical method of counting potato leaves allows you to identify the nitrogen group quickly and easily.

Learn more about the in-field method

Useful links

Nutrient management for potatoes

Nutrient management Guide (RB209)

Soil management

Sectors:

Potatoes