Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 10 7 Advanced Fertilization Techniques 7.1 Controlled-release fertilizers and their role in sustained nutrient delivery Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are engineered to provide a slow and consistent release of nutrients over time, aligning with the crop's nutrient demands throughout the growing season. These fertilizers are coated with materials like polymers or sulfur, which control the release rate based on environmental factors such as soil temperature and moisture. In potato cultivation, the application of CRFs such as polymer-coated urea (PCU) has shown to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by ensuring that nitrogen is released gradually, reducing the likelihood of nutrient losses through leaching or volatilization. Research indicates that CRFs can increase potato yield by up to 26%, as well as improve tuber quality, including increased starch and vitamin C content (Gao et al., 2015). One of the key advantages of CRFs is their ability to provide a steady nutrient supply during critical growth stages, reducing the need for multiple fertilizer applications and ensuring that the plant has access to essential nutrients throughout the growing season. This reduces labor and application costs, while also minimizing the environmental impact associated with conventional fertilizers. Studies have shown that CRFs improve nitrogen uptake and reduce nutrient losses, contributing to better crop growth and higher yields without the environmental risks of over-fertilization (Rahman et al., 2021). Moreover, controlled-release fertilizers help reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by preventing nutrient runoff into nearby water bodies, which can cause eutrophication and other environmental problems. The extended release pattern of CRFs is particularly beneficial in areas with high rainfall, where nutrients can otherwise be washed away from the soil before the crop has a chance to absorb them. This leads to better sustainability in crop production systems by increasing nutrient use efficiency and reducing pollution (Remya et al., 2021). 7.2 Foliar fertilization as a supplement during critical growth stages Foliar fertilization is an advanced technique that involves applying nutrients directly to the leaves of plants, allowing for rapid absorption and efficient nutrient use. This method is particularly useful during critical growth stages when nutrient demand is high, or when soil conditions limit nutrient uptake through the roots. In potato cultivation, foliar fertilization has been shown to enhance growth and yield, especially when applied during key periods such as tuber initiation and bulking. Foliar applications of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ensure that the plant receives the required nutrients without delays, leading to better tuber formation and overall productivity (Elshamy et al., 2019). Foliar fertilization offers the advantage of bypassing soil-related issues such as poor nutrient availability, compaction, or drought, which can inhibit root absorption. This technique allows for more targeted and efficient nutrient application, as the nutrients are absorbed directly through the leaf tissues and transported to where they are needed most in the plant. Research has shown that foliar-applied nutrients can improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce nutrient wastage, and result in higher crop yields. In potatoes, foliar fertilization has been linked to improvements in tuber quality, including enhanced starch content and dry matter concentration (Dang et al., 2022). 7.3 Use of Fertigation to Improve Nutrient Efficiency Fertigation, the practice of applying fertilizers through irrigation systems, is a highly efficient method that integrates nutrient delivery with water management, ensuring that both water and nutrients are applied directly to the root zone of the plants. This method is particularly effective in enhancing nutrient use efficiency in potato cultivation, as it allows for precise control over nutrient application, reducing wastage and improving crop uptake. Fertigation has been shown to increase potato yields by optimizing the timing and distribution of nutrients, aligning closely with the crop's growth stages and water needs (Shrestha et al., 2023). By delivering nutrients in smaller, more frequent doses, fertigation reduces the risk of nutrient leaching, particularly in sandy or highly permeable soils where conventional fertilization methods often lead to significant
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