Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 3 potassium strengthens the plant's resistance to diseases and environmental stresses like drought. Research indicates that potassium application can increase tuber dry matter and starch content, improving overall tuber quality (Torabian et al., 2021). However, potassium requirements vary based on soil type and environmental conditions, necessitating precise management to meet the optimal needs under different soil organic matter levels. 2.2 Micronutrient Requirements and Their Role in Potato Development Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient required for enzyme activation and the synthesis of proteins and starch in potato plants. Zinc is crucial for tuber formation, improving the plant’s disease resistance and photosynthetic efficiency, which leads to better tuber growth. Studies have shown that the application of zinc fertilizers can significantly improve potato yield, as well as enhance the nutrient content of tubers, such as increasing protein and mineral concentrations (Sarker et al., 2019). Zinc deficiency can lead to necrotic spots on leaves, stunted plant growth, and a marked reduction in yield, making it critical to ensure sufficient zinc availability throughout the growth cycle. Magnesium (Mg) is an integral part of the chlorophyll molecule and plays a key role in photosynthesis, supporting the plant’s ability to capture light energy and convert it into biomass. Magnesium also activates numerous enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. In potatoes, magnesium not only enhances photosynthetic efficiency but also contributes to higher starch content in the tubers, improving their quality. This is especially important under conditions of high sunlight or drought, where magnesium can increase the plant's resistance to environmental stresses (El-Sayed et al., 2019). Magnesium deficiency can result in chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and reduced growth, which negatively affects tuber development and yield. Iron (Fe) is involved in critical processes such as electron transport within plant cells, playing a significant role in energy production and photosynthesis. Iron is also important in respiration, enabling efficient energy use within the plant. Adequate iron levels help improve photosynthetic activity, thereby increasing potato yield and quality. Iron deficiencies lead to chlorosis, particularly in young leaves, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and, ultimately, the growth and development of tubers (Hamnér et al., 2017). Therefore, iron supplementation, when necessary, ensures healthier growth and better-quality tubers. 2.3 Variability in Nutrient Needs Based on Growth Stages and Environmental Factors During the early stages of potato growth, nitrogen demand is at its highest, as the plant requires a substantial amount of nitrogen to support the rapid development of leaves and stems. Nitrogen in this stage not only boosts chlorophyll production but also enhances photosynthesis, ensuring sufficient energy is available for the development of the plant. However, an excess of nitrogen during this period can lead to excessive vegetative growth, delaying the formation of tubers, which may result in reduced yield. Therefore, nitrogen should be applied in moderation, based on soil conditions and plant growth assessments (Oliveira et al., 2020). As potatoes progress into the tuberization stage, the demand for phosphorus and potassium increases. Phosphorus is crucial for the development and enlargement of tubers, ensuring that the tubers reach optimal size and are uniform in shape. Potassium, on the other hand, aids in improving tuber dry matter content and starch accumulation, directly influencing the cooking quality and storage potential of the potatoes. Insufficient phosphorus or potassium at this stage can result in small, misshapen tubers that do not meet market quality standards (Torabian et al., 2021). Therefore, phosphorus and potassium application should be carefully managed during the tuberization period. Environmental factors, such as soil type, climate, and water availability, also play a significant role in determining the nutrient needs of potato plants. The texture and organic matter content of the soil can influence how nutrients are retained and made available to the plant. For instance, sandy soils tend to experience greater leaching, requiring more frequent nutrient applications, while clay soils may retain nutrients for longer periods. Additionally, climatic factors like temperature and rainfall affect nutrient uptake rates. Cooler temperatures can slow nutrient absorption, while drought conditions may limit nutrient mobility in the soil (Koch et al., 2019). These variables necessitate a flexible, site-specific nutrient management strategy to optimize potato growth and yield under varying conditions.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==