Author(s): Nattapong Kittisakorn, Piyaporn Srisawang, Thanakrit Rattanapreecha and Sirilak Charoensuk

Abstract:
This study investigated how different cultivation practices conventional mineral fertiliser-based (CONV), certified organic (ORG), and integrated nutrient management (INM) influence the nutrient composition, functional quality, and consumer-oriented health value of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. Thirty farms across major potato-growing regions were selected and stratified by cultivation system, and composite tuber samples were analysed for proximate composition, vitamin C, potassium, iron, zinc, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and nitrate content. Results showed that cultivation practice significantly affected both nutrient density and functional attributes. ORG and INM systems produced tubers with substantially higher vitamin C (≈17-30% increase), total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity, along with markedly lower nitrate concentrations compared with CONV. INM uniquely combined these nutritional advantages with the highest mean tuber yield (32.4 t ha−1) and favourable marketable size grading. Consumer-oriented interpretation expressed as percent contribution of a 150 g serving to adult recommended daily allowances indicated that ORG and INM potatoes supplied greater proportions of daily vitamin C and potassium requirements and achieved superior traffic light classifications for nitrate and antioxidant quality. A composite nutritional healthiness index further confirmed the advantage of ORG and INM systems. These findings highlight that nutrient composition of potatoes is not fixed but can be strategically enhanced through cultivation choices. They also underscore the importance of translating agronomic data into simplified nutritional messages to support informed consumer choices. The study concludes that integrated nutrient management offers the optimal balance of agronomic productivity and enhanced nutritional value, while organic systems maximise health-beneficial compounds; both systems present valuable opportunities for farmers, retailers, policymakers and consumers seeking nutritionally superior potatoes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/23957476.2025.v11.i2l.2016