Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 262-269 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 263 2 The Challenges of Sweet Potato Cultivation in Hilly Areas 2.1 Limitations of terrain and climate factors Sweet potato cultivation in hilly regions faces significant challenges due to the complex terrain and climate conditions. The steep slopes and uneven land make mechanization difficult, leading to labor-intensive farming practices (Hu et al., 2012). Additionally, these areas are prone to hydrogeological instability, such as soil erosion and landslides, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and climate change (Tarolli and Straffelini, 2020). The lack of flat, arable land further complicates the use of machinery and efficient farming techniques, making it challenging to maintain consistent crop yields (Chapagain and Raizada, 2017). For example, Longquan Sheyuan Agricultural Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd. has over 800 mu (approximately 1 000 hectares) of planting bases. However, due to the terrain conditions in the area, terraced farming has become a major feature of local agricultural production (Figure 1). Figure 1 Sweet potato planting plots in Longquan City (Photo by Xiaowei Wang) 2.2 Soil conditions and fertility management Soil conditions in hilly regions often present another set of challenges. The soils are typically less fertile and more prone to erosion, which can lead to nutrient depletion. Managing soil fertility is crucial for sweet potato cultivation, as the crop has high nutrient demands, particularly for potassium (Navarro et al., 2020). Innovative fertilization methods, such as the use of anaerobic digestion residues (ADRs), have shown promise in improving soil fertility and crop yields. ADRs can partially or completely substitute mineral fertilizers, enhancing nitrogen agronomic efficiency and promoting better growth (Nicoletto et al., 2017). Additionally, the use of compost and biochar has been found to stimulate soil biological activities and improve nutrient cycling, which is essential for maintaining soil health in these challenging environments. 2.3 Constraints on labor resources and mechanization level Labor resources in hilly regions are often limited, and the physical demands of farming on steep slopes can be prohibitive. Mechanization offers a potential solution to these labor constraints, but the adoption of mechanized farming practices is hindered by the difficult terrain (Hu et al., 2011). The development of specialized machinery, such as self-propelled crawlers and potato harvesters designed for hilly areas, can help mitigate these challenges by improving efficiency and reducing labor intensity (Zhou et al., 2021). However, the high cost of such machinery and the need for technical expertise to operate and maintain it remain significant barriers (Hamid et al., 2010). Additionally, the small and fragmented land plots typical of hilly regions further complicate the implementation of large-scale mechanization. 3 Progress in Agronomy of Sweet Potato Planting 3.1 Variety improvement and optimization Variety improvement and optimization are crucial for enhancing sweet potato yields, especially in hilly regions where environmental conditions can be challenging. Breeding programs have focused on developing
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