Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 1 Research insight Open Access Optimizing Fertilization Strategies for High-Yield Potato Crops JieRen1, Yuchao Shen2, Fengping Shen3 1 Deqing County Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Deqing 313200, Zhejiang, China 2 Deqing Xingqing family farm Co., Ltd., Deqing 313217, Zhejiang, China 3 Zhejiang Wuwangnong Seeds Shareholding Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310020, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 843079726@qq.com Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0001 Received: 23 Nov, 2024 Accepted: 30 Dec., 2024 Published: 15 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Ren et al, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Ren J., Shen Y.C., Shen F.P., 2025, Optimizing fertilization strategies for high-yield potato crops, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(1): 1-15 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0001) Abstract This study examines the importance of optimizing fertilization strategies to improve the yield and quality of potato crops. By analyzing the roles of major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements like zinc and magnesium in potato growth, the research underscores the impact of precision fertilization techniques on enhancing nutrient use efficiency. The study proposes advanced fertilization methods, including soil testing, controlled-release fertilizers, foliar application, and fertigation, to reduce nutrient loss and lessen environmental impact. Furthermore, the research points out that a combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can balance nutrient supply, mitigate environmental risks, and improve soil health. This study provides a theoretical foundation for potato cultivation, demonstrating the potential of optimized fertilization strategies in increasing yield and supporting sustainable agricultural development. Keywords Potato cultivation; Nutrient management; Fertilization strategies; Precision agriculture; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are among the most widely cultivated and consumed staple crops globally, ranking fourth after rice, wheat, and maize. This crop plays a critical role in ensuring food security due to its high productivity and ability to grow in diverse climates and soil types. Potatoes offer significant nutritional value, providing essential vitamins like vitamin C, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates, making them a vital source of sustenance for millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, potatoes have substantial economic importance, particularly in developing countries, where they serve as both a primary food source and an essential income-generating crop. In countries such as China, Bangladesh, and Brazil, potatoes contribute significantly to the agricultural economy, with China leading global potato production (Zhang et al., 2017).The perennial area of potato in Zhejiang Province of China is 2.7×104 ha, with an average yield of 20 kg/ha, while the perennial area of potato in Deqing County is about 200 ha, with an average yield of 25 kg/ha. While potatoes are a robust crop, numerous challenges impact their yield and quality. Nutrient management is a primary concern in potato production, particularly the supply of essential macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The timing and method of nutrient application, along with environmental factors like soil health and water availability, can drastically affect crop output. Inadequate fertilization practices often lead to reduced yields, while over-fertilization poses environmental risks, such as nutrient leaching and water contamination. Additionally, the potato plant's heavy reliance on micronutrients like zinc and magnesium further complicates fertilization strategies. In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, poor soil fertility is a significant limiting factor in achieving optimal yields (Shunka et al., 2021), (Wang et al., 2021). This study analyzes the essential nutrients required for potato growth, assesses the advantages of advanced fertilization techniques such as precision agriculture and controlled-release fertilizers, and examines the environmental and economic impacts of fertilization practices to provide a comprehensive guide for optimizing potato cultivation, offering actionable insights for farmers to increase potato yields while reducing environmental impact.
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