Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 128-138 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 129 In the process of potato cultivation, taking some measures, such as scientific management of fertilizer and water, use of biofertilizers and beneficial microorganisms, reduction of pesticide use, promotion of organic planting and crop rotation, are all effective ways to achieve sustainable development (Wang et al., 2021; Kumar et al., 2023a; Di et al., 2024; Morugán-Coronado et al., 2024; Ravensbergen et al., 2024; Ollio et al., 2025). Some field studies and life cycle assessments have found that as long as nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides are appropriately reduced, it will not only not affect yields, but also greatly reduce nitrogen excess and greenhouse gas emissions (Wang et al., 2021; Li et al., 2022; Di et al., 2024; Ravensbergen et al., 2024). The use of microbial products and organic farming can also help improve soil quality and crop quality, reduce CO2 emissions and reduce costs (Kumar et al., 2023a; Tensi et al., 2024; Ollio et al., 2025). Different conditions in different regions, as well as farmers' knowledge levels and economic capabilities, are difficulties in promoting sustainable methods. Technical guidance needs to be provided according to specific circumstances, accompanied by policy support (Timpanaro et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021; Morugán-Coronado et al., 2024). This study mainly analyzes the effects of various sustainable practices in potato cultivation from an environmental perspective. We will also compare the actual application of these methods in different regions and under different management models, and discuss the genetic origin and evolution of potatoes to see if they can provide inspiration for sustainable cultivation. Through case analysis, this study will also demonstrate some specific ways to optimize management and point out the difficulties they encounter in promotion. It will combine field data, life cycle analysis, comprehensive economic and environmental assessments, and farmers' actual practices, and strive to provide practical reference for the green development of the potato industry. 2 Environmental Impacts of Traditional Potato Cultivation 2.1 Soil health: erosion, compaction and nutrient depletion The traditional way of growing potatoes is very harmful to the soil. Repeated mechanical tillage will destroy the soil structure and easily cause erosion and compaction. The compacted soil is not breathable, water cannot penetrate, roots cannot grow well, crop yields will be reduced, and the soil ecology will be disrupted (Grados and Schrevens, 2019; Holka and Kowalska, 2025). If you only grow potatoes without crop rotation, the nutrients in the soil will become less and less, the organic matter will also decrease, and the fertility will decrease. In order to increase production, farmers can only add more fertilizers, resulting in a vicious cycle. In these traditional practices, excessive use of fertilizers is the main cause of soil degradation, especially nitrogen fertilizers and potash fertilizers. Applying too much fertilizer is not good, as it will make the soil acidic and salty, and the yield will not increase (Kumar et al., 2023a; Wei et al., 2024; Holka and Kowalska, 2025). Once the soil becomes acidic, beneficial microorganisms cannot survive, the soil loses its self-repairing ability, and crops are more susceptible to disease (Wei et al., 2024). Nitrogen, phosphorus and other substances lost in the soil will also be washed into rivers and lakes by rainwater, causing eutrophication of water bodies, poor water quality, and algae growth (Economou et al., 2023). 2.2 Water resource utilization: high water consumption and inefficient irrigation Potato cultivation is very water-consuming, especially in arid or semi-arid areas, where irrigation is essential. Traditional irrigation methods are inefficient and often waste water. Irrigation and the use of machinery are one of the causes of climate warming and land acidification (Economou et al., 2023). In some places, too much water can cause the groundwater level to drop and even cause soil salinization, affecting agricultural development (Busch and Wydra, 2023; Kumar et al., 2023a). Excessive water use also increases costs and makes water resources more scarce. In places with little water, excessive use can make the ecosystem worse (Grados and Schrevens, 2019; Economou et al., 2023). In addition, fertilizers and pesticides are easily lost with water during irrigation, further polluting the water body (Economou et al., 2023).
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