Genomics and Applied Biology 2026, Vol.17, No.1, 26-36 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 33 operation of small harvesters. These results at least indicate two points: Firstly, under the condition of post-rice soil, a medium furrow height of about 30 cm can achieve a relative balance between drainage, ventilation and moisture retention and supply, thereby supporting a higher yield (Li et al., 2019); Secondly, the furrow height not only affects growth but also directly influences the emergence rate and damage risk by changing the depth of tuber distribution and the amount of tillage. The study also mentioned that as the furrow height increases, the proportion of medium-large tubers rises, suggesting a more concentrated commercial specification. If combined with research on root zone aeration, when the furrow body re-oxygenates quickly and the CO₂ level is low, photosynthetic output is more stable, the tubers expand more uniformly, and it is easier to form a shape suitable for commercialization (Bhattarai et al., 2017). 7 Our Farm's Practices Based on the aforementioned literature, our farm implemented large-scale high-ridge sweet potato cultivation technology demonstration in 2015. The fresh tuber yield increased by 30% compared to low-ridge cultivation, with a 10% improvement in tuber marketability, resulting in significantly enhanced economic benefits (Figure 2). Figure 2 High ridge trials of sweet potatoes at Fanshu Xiaopu Family Farm, Qujiang District, Quzhou City (Left: High-Ridge Cultivation; Right: Commercial Tubers) (Photographed by Shifeng Yang) 8 Discussion 8.1 The physiological and ecological mechanism of sweet potato tuber enlargement influenced by different ridge heights When looking at the effects of different ridge heights together, it is clear that the role of ridge height is not linear. Higher ridges often show their effects first in terms of ventilation: faster drainage, faster re-oxygenation after rain, lower CO₂ levels in the root zone, more stable photosynthesis in leaves, and easier transport of assimilates to the tubers (Bhattarai et al., 2017); but things are not always positive. If the ridge height is too high, the risk of water loss increases, drought stress occurs, and the enlargement rate decreases, the probability of cracking tubers increases (Li et al., 2019). There is also a frequently overlooked path that comes from mechanization. The more uniform the ridge height and ridge shape, the more stable the machine harvesting and soil removal are, and the lower the loss and damage. Physiologically, improved ventilation can enhance aerobic respiration and ATP supply, promote the distribution of ^14C/^13C assimilates to the tubers, which is the key reason for “optimal ridge height being better”. Molecular research also suggests that tuber development has its own internal program, and ridge height provides a more suitable external environment for this process. 8.2 Comparative analysis of the research results with existing study conclusions When foreign researchers set the ridge height at 30, 40, or 50 cm for comparison, they often observed similar trends: a medium ridge height is more conducive to root yield, while further increasing the ridge height may lead to an increase in root length while the root diameter becomes thinner, indicating that the ridge structure is quietly changing the scale of the tuber shape (Villordon et al., 2019). The domestic approach places more emphasis on “determining the height based on the soil type”. Northern production opinions distinguish between clay and sandy loam soils, providing recommendations of 30-35 cm and 25-30 cm respectively; Hunan regulations propose a
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