Potatoes are a high value cash crop, which relies heavily on agrochemicals. Currently, crop management practices are implemented uniformly with inadequate attention being given to the spatial variability in soil properties and tuber yield which not only increases the production cost but also adversely affects the tuber yield, quality and environment. This study was designed to characterize and quantify the spatial variation in soil properties and tuber yield and to delineate management zones for site-specific fertilization. Two fields were selected, and a grid pattern was established at experimental sites to collect soil and yield samples. Soil samples were analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, electrical conductivity, texture, and soil organic matter. The volumetric moisture content and ground conductivity data were also recorded at the same grid points. The location of the sampling points and field boundaries were marked with a global positioning system.

The cluster analysis was performed to group the soil and tuber yield data into five zones termed as 'very poor,' 'poor,' 'medium,' 'good,' and 'very good' without prior knowledge of productivity potential with the internal homogeneity and external heterogeneity at a similarity level of greater than 70%. The coefficient of variation, geo-statistical range of influence, and kriged maps were generated to analyze spatial variations within selected sites. Correlations matrix were developed to identify the yield limiting factors and their prediction potential was assessed via sensors. The means were compared in delineated management zones using least significant difference method to examine the practicality of the developed management zones. Detailed results will be presented at the conference.