Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 11 nutrient losses. Studies have demonstrated that fertigation can improve nitrogen use efficiency, reduce nitrate leaching, and result in higher-quality tubers with improved starch content and better dry matter concentration. Fertigation also allows for more precise nutrient management, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of nutrients at the right time, which is essential for maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact (Bykin et al., 2021). Another advantage of fertigation is its adaptability to different irrigation systems, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, which are commonly used in potato production. This integration of fertilization and irrigation helps to save water and reduce labor costs, making it a cost-effective option for farmers. Moreover, fertigation systems can be easily adjusted based on real-time soil moisture and nutrient data, allowing for a more responsive and efficient approach to crop management. This results in improved crop performance, higher nutrient use efficiency, and better environmental sustainability (Rahman et al., 2021). 8 Environmental and Economic Implications of Fertilizer Use 8.1 Impact of excessive fertilization on soil health and water systems Excessive fertilization, especially with nitrogen-based fertilizers, can have detrimental effects on soil health. Overapplication of nitrogen leads to the accumulation of nitrate in the soil, which can disrupt the natural balance of soil microorganisms. This imbalance often results in reduced microbial activity, which is critical for maintaining soil organic matter and nutrient cycling. Over time, continuous use of excessive fertilizers depletes the soil of its natural fertility, reducing its ability to support crops in a sustainable manner. Acidification is another issue that arises from over-fertilization, particularly in soils already low in buffering capacity, which can make essential nutrients less available to plants (Pandey and Diwan, 2018). The negative impact of over-fertilization extends beyond the soil to water systems. Nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agricultural fields can lead to the eutrophication of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Eutrophication, caused by the excess nutrients in water bodies, stimulates harmful algal blooms, which consume oxygen and create dead zones, severely affecting aquatic ecosystems. These algal blooms also pose health risks to humans, as they can produce toxins that contaminate drinking water supplies and harm fish populations, leading to economic losses in fisheries and tourism industries (Rahman and Zhang, 2018). Moreover, leaching of nitrates into groundwater is a critical issue in many agricultural regions. Nitrates are highly mobile in soils, and their excessive presence can result in groundwater contamination, making it unsafe for drinking and agricultural use. High nitrate levels in drinking water are linked to serious health conditions such as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in infants. Reducing the use of excess fertilizers and employing precision farming techniques are essential steps to mitigate the impact of over-fertilization on both soil health and water quality (Li et al., 2018). 8.2 Economic Analysis of Different Fertilization Strategies to Maximize Return on Investment A cost-effective approach to fertilization focuses on optimizing the application rates to achieve the highest yield while minimizing input costs. Research on nitrogen use in potato farming shows that applying nitrogen at economically optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates (EONFR) results in the most efficient yield gains relative to costs (Ding, 2024). Farmers often apply more fertilizer than necessary, leading to diminishing returns and higher costs without a proportional increase in yield. By using EONFR, studies show that a 50% reduction in nitrogen use may lead to only a 16% drop in yield, while drastically reducing costs and increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (Ierna and Mauromicale, 2019). Precision agriculture is another strategy that helps optimize fertilizer use and maximize return on investment (ROI). Precision farming technologies, such as soil testing and real-time nutrient monitoring, enable farmers to apply fertilizers only where and when they are needed, reducing waste and unnecessary input costs. Studies in potato farming have demonstrated that precision fertilization techniques can increase yields by 10%~15% while reducing fertilizer usage by up to 30%. These gains not only lower the cost of production but also improve environmental sustainability by minimizing nutrient losses to the environment (Mosquera et al., 2019).
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