Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 262-269 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 264 drought-tolerant varieties that can withstand osmotic stress, which negatively impacts productivity by inducing several morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes in the plants. These programs aim to select and improve genotypes that combine drought tolerance with high yields, utilizing physiological, metabolic, and genetic modifications as indicators for choosing suitable varieties (Sapakhova et al., 2023; Hong and Huang, 2024). Additionally, participatory research has shown that using high-yield varieties combined with proper training on planting techniques can significantly increase sweet potato yields, as demonstrated in the Philippines where yields doubled with the implementation of these strategies (Mustacisa-Lacaba et al., 2023). 3.2 Integrated management of water and fertilizer Effective water and fertilizer management is essential for optimizing sweet potato production. Integrated nutrient management practices, such as combining synthetic fertilizers with organic sources like farmyard manure (FYM), have shown significant improvements in growth and yield attributes. For instance, applying 75% of the recommended dose of synthetic fertilizers along with 25% of nitrogen from FYM resulted in the highest productivity and net returns in rainfed potato cultivation in the northeastern hill region of India (Yadav et al., 2017). Similarly, the use of soil amendments like compost and biochar has been found to enhance soil biological activities and nutrient cycling, which are critical for maintaining soil health and supporting sweet potato growth in subtropical semiarid regions (Navarro et al., 2020). Moreover, the development of machinery that integrates fertilizing with other field operations, such as the 3-in-1 disc ridger, can improve efficiency and reduce labor costs while ensuring optimal fertilizer application (Abdullah et al., 2020). 3.3 Soil improvement and protection measures Soil improvement and protection measures are vital for sustaining sweet potato cultivation in hilly regions. The use of organic fertilizers, such as commercial organic fertilizer, sheep manure, and mushroom residue, has been shown to significantly increase soil organic matter content, which is a key indicator of soil quality. These amendments also enhance the availability of essential nutrients like phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium, thereby improving the overall fertility of newly reclaimed lands (Li et al., 2022). Additionally, soil amendments can positively influence the microbial community, promoting a healthier rhizosphere environment for sweet potato growth. In regions with poor soil conditions, such as the hills of China, adopting appropriate soil management practices, including the use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments, can mitigate the adverse effects of complex terrain and poor soil quality on sweet potato production (Hu et al., 2012). 4 Progress in Mechanization of Sweet Potato Planting 4.1 Mechanized planting and harvesting Mechanized planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes have seen significant advancements, particularly in regions with challenging terrains such as hilly areas. The development of specialized machinery, such as the disc ridger, has been pivotal. This implement not only forms planting ridges but also serves as an inter-row cultivator for weeding and fertilizing, significantly reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency (Abdullah et al., 2020). Additionally, the introduction of combined harvesters and segment harvesters has improved the efficiency of sweet potato harvesting, especially in hilly regions where traditional methods are less effective (Hu et al., 2012). Longquan Sheyuan Agricultural Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd. is equipped with a complete set of mechanized sweet potato planting equipment. This type of equipment is widely used in hilly areas and significantly reduces the manpower input in the sweet potato planting process (Figure 2). Figure 2 Mechanized sweet potato planting equipment. A: Trencher; B: Fertilizer spreader; C: Vine cutter; D: Sweet potato harvester (Photod by Renxiang Cai)
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