Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 262-269 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 265 4.2 Mechanization of tillage and fertilization Mechanization of tillage and fertilization has also progressed, with innovations aimed at improving soil conditions and crop yields. The use of combined tillage units that perform deep cultivation and harrowing in a single pass has been shown to enhance soil aeration and reduce compaction, which is crucial for sweet potato growth (Salimzyanov et al., 2020). Furthermore, the integration of granular fertilizer applicators with tillage equipment ensures precise and efficient fertilization, aligning with agronomic recommendations and improving crop yields. The use of anaerobic digestion residues (ADRs) as a fertilizer has also been explored, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mineral fertilizers and demonstrating significant agronomic benefits (Nicoletto et al., 2017). 4.3 Intelligent and unmanned operation technology The adoption of intelligent and unmanned operation technologies is an emerging trend in the mechanization of sweet potato cultivation. These technologies include the use of GPS-guided tractors and automated planting and harvesting systems, which enhance precision and reduce the need for manual labor (Figure 3). The development of intelligent machinery that can adapt to varying field conditions and optimize operations in real-time is particularly beneficial in hilly regions where terrain variability poses significant challenges (Hu et al., 2011; Pryshlyak and Mizyuk, 2021). The integration of these technologies with existing mechanized systems promises to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of sweet potato cultivation. Figure 3 Mechanized production of SP (Louisiana Sweet Potato Farmers, USA). Machine-assisted planting (a) and production management (b) (Adopted from Peter and Michael, 2023) 5 Case Study: Sweet Potato Planting Model in the Southeast Coastal Hilly Region 5.1 Case analysis of sweet potato cultivation in southern Zhejiang Province Southern Zhejiang Province, characterized by its hilly terrain and complex soil conditions, presents unique challenges for sweet potato cultivation. The mechanization of sweet potato production in such regions is hindered by small plots, poor soil conditions, and decentralized farming practices (Hu et al., 2012). Despite these challenges, innovative mechanization techniques have been explored to enhance productivity. For instance, the integration of agricultural machinery with agronomic practices, such as selecting and breeding new varieties suitable for mechanical operations, has shown promise (Hu et al., 2011). Additionally, the development of specialized equipment for ridge planting and harvesting has been crucial in adapting to the hilly landscape (Figure 4). 5.2 Innovative sweet potato planting cooperation model In response to the challenges faced by individual farmers, cooperative models have been established to pool resources and share knowledge. One successful example is the mechanized planting pattern of Xushu27 sweet potato in Jiangsu Province, which has been widely adopted in various regions, including Suqian, Jining, Zhoukou, and Bozhou (Wang et al., 2012). This model involves coordinated efforts in nursery management, planting,
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