Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 7 often not absorbed by the plants and instead leaches into groundwater as nitrate (NO3). This nitrate contamination of water sources can pose serious health risks, such as methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome, in infants, and has broader implications for water quality and ecosystem health (Yang et al., 2020). In addition to nitrate leaching, over-fertilization increases the risk of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Nitrous oxide emissions occur when excess nitrogen in the soil undergoes microbial processes such as denitrification. This not only contributes to climate change but also represents a loss of valuable nitrogen that could have been utilized by the crop. Practices such as precision nitrogen management, where nitrogen is applied in variable rates based on real-time crop sensing, can help mitigate these risks by ensuring that nitrogen is only applied where and when it is needed (Bohman et al., 2020). Furthermore, poor nitrogen management can also lead to reduced soil health over time. Excess nitrogen can acidify the soil, disrupt the balance of microbial communities, and degrade soil structure, all of which negatively impact long-term crop productivity. Adopting practices such as integrated nutrient management, where synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are supplemented with organic sources like manure or cover crops, can help mitigate the environmental impacts of nitrogen overuse while maintaining soil health and improving crop yields (Komatsuzaki, 2017). 5 Phosphorus and Potassium Optimization 5.1 Role of phosphorus in root development and its influence on tuber formation. Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient that plays a vital role in the root development of potato plants, which is critical for nutrient absorption and water uptake. During the early stages of potato growth, phosphorus promotes the expansion of the root system, enabling the plant to establish a strong foundation for later growth stages. This, in turn, supports the overall growth of the plant and the development of tubers. Phosphorus is involved in energy transfer within the plant, particularly in the form of ATP, which is necessary for cell division and growth, including root elongation. Studies have shown that the application of phosphorus improves root length and the number of root hairs, enhancing the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil (Setu et al., 2022). Furthermore, phosphorus plays a crucial role in the process of tuber initiation and development. Tuber formation is highly dependent on the availability of phosphorus, as it influences the translocation of sugars and other carbohydrates to the developing tubers. Phosphorus deficiency during the critical stages of tuber formation can result in poor tuber development, reduced tuber size, and lower yields. Field trials have demonstrated that phosphorus application significantly enhances tuber initiation, with optimal results observed when phosphorus is applied early in the growing season (Jasim et al., 2020). Phosphorus also improves the overall quality of potato tubers by enhancing the development of cell membranes and energy storage within the tubers. Proper phosphorus nutrition has been associated with improved starch content in the tubers, which is a critical quality parameter for both processing and table potatoes. A balanced phosphorus supply not only boosts tuber yield but also contributes to uniform tuber size and improved marketability (Misgina, 2016). 5.2 Importance of Potassium for Stress Resistance and Tuber Quality Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for potatoes, playing a key role in stress resistance and the overall quality of tubers. Potassium regulates water movement within the plant by controlling the opening and closing of stomata, thus maintaining optimal hydration and reducing water loss during periods of drought stress. This is particularly important in areas prone to dry conditions, as potassium helps enhance the plant's drought tolerance by improving root permeability and water uptake efficiency. Potassium has also been shown to improve disease resistance in potato crops by strengthening cell walls and reducing the susceptibility of plants to pathogens (Bahar et al., 2021).
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