Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 12 In addition to precision agriculture, the use of integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies-combining organic and inorganic fertilizers-has proven to be economically beneficial. INM reduces dependency on costly chemical fertilizers by incorporating organic amendments such as compost or manure. Studies have shown that using organic fertilizers alongside reduced rates of inorganic fertilizers can sustain or even increase yields while lowering fertilizer costs, leading to a more profitable and sustainable farming system (Li et al., 2021). 8.3 Sustainable fertilization practices to balance productivity with environmental responsibility Sustainable fertilization practices aim to achieve a balance between maximizing crop productivity and minimizing environmental damage. One approach is site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), which tailors fertilizer applications based on specific soil and crop conditions. SSNM uses data from soil tests and crop monitoring systems to apply nutrients at the right time, place, and amount, reducing the risk of nutrient loss while ensuring that crops receive adequate nutrition. This practice not only improves yields but also prevents the overuse of fertilizers, mitigating the environmental risks associated with excessive nutrient runoff (Eeswaran et al., 2016). The integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers is another sustainable practice that enhances both productivity and soil health. Organic fertilizers, such as manure or compost, improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and enhance water retention, while inorganic fertilizers provide the readily available nutrients needed for high crop yields(Zhu and Shen, 2024). By combining these two types of fertilizers, farmers can reduce the overall need for synthetic inputs, thereby lowering the environmental impact while maintaining or improving crop productivity. Research shows that integrating bio-organic fertilizers with chemical fertilizers significantly boosts potato yields and improves soil fertility over the long term (Li et al., 2021). Sustainable fertilization practices also focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer use, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Practices such as the use of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) and precision nutrient application can significantly reduce N2O emissions by synchronizing nutrient availability with plant uptake. These methods not only help maintain high crop yields but also contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts by reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural practices (Gao et al., 2015). 9 Future Directions and Research Needs Future directions in fertilization research primarily focus on emerging technologies, genetic improvements, and refining existing fertilization practices. Technologies such as drone-based monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI) hold great potential for precision agriculture. Drones equipped with multispectral or hyperspectral cameras can monitor crop nitrogen status and detect nutrient deficiencies in real time, optimizing fertilizer efficiency. Additionally, AI algorithms, combined with sensor data, provide real-time recommendations to farmers, enhancing crop yields while reducing environmental impacts. However, barriers such as high costs, limited data infrastructure, and the complexity of technology usage remain. Future research should aim to overcome these challenges and promote wider adoption, especially among smallholder farmers. In genetic improvement, technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing are being explored to enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in potato varieties. Researchers are identifying genes involved in nitrogen metabolism to improve NUE, ensuring high yields with less fertilizer input. Genomic screening has also been used to identify potato varieties with improved root architecture, enabling more efficient nutrient absorption from deeper soil layers. Continued research is needed to integrate traditional breeding with modern genomics to develop more resilient, high-yielding potato varieties that can thrive with reduced nutrient inputs. Optimizing fertilization techniques is another critical area of research, particularly in the use of fertigation, which enhances nutrient use efficiency by delivering nutrients through irrigation systems. Future research should explore the best combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to improve soil health and reduce environmental impacts. Additionally, climate change’s impact on nutrient requirements and fertilizer efficiency needs further investigation to ensure that fertilization schedules and rates are adapted to shifting environmental conditions, maintaining sustainable crop production.
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