Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 5 the coverage rate of soil testing and formulated fertilization technology was 93%. Under the premise of stable yield of potato, the annual fertilizer application per hectare decreased by 7.5 kg, and the effect of chemical fertilizer reduction was obvious. 3.3 Precision Agriculture Techniques for Targeted Fertilization Precision agriculture techniques offer innovative solutions for improving the accuracy and efficiency of fertilization by using real-time data to make site-specific decisions. Technologies such as GPS, drones, and wireless sensor networks allow farmers to assess variations in soil and crop health across different parts of a field, enabling them to apply fertilizers in a more targeted manner. This approach contrasts with traditional uniform application methods, where the same amount of fertilizer is applied across an entire field, regardless of the varying needs of different areas. By using precision agriculture, farmers can ensure that nutrients are applied where they are most needed, reducing waste and enhancing crop growth (Madhumathi et al., 2020). One key technology used in precision agriculture is remote sensing, which involves collecting data from satellites, drones, or ground-based sensors to monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health. This data is processed using advanced algorithms to create detailed maps of a field’s nutrient status, helping farmers identify areas that require more or less fertilizer. For example, a drone equipped with multispectral sensors can capture images that reveal variations in nitrogen content across a potato field. This information allows farmers to adjust their fertilization strategies, applying nitrogen only to areas where deficiencies are detected, thus preventing over-fertilization in parts of the field where nitrogen levels are already sufficient (Peng et al., 2021). In addition to drones and sensors, precision agriculture also utilizes decision support systems (DSS) and software that help farmers make data-driven fertilization decisions. These tools generate prescription maps based on soil and crop data, allowing farmers to apply fertilizers at variable rates across a field. For instance, areas of the field that are identified as nutrient-deficient receive higher doses of fertilizers, while nutrient-rich areas receive less or none at all. This targeted fertilization approach reduces input costs, increases yields, and minimizes the environmental impact of farming practices by reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and leaching into water bodies (Hedley, 2015). Through precision agriculture, farmers can achieve higher nutrient use efficiency and sustainable crop production. 4 Nitrogen Management in Potato Production 4.1 Impact of nitrogen on potato growth and yield Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for potato growth, directly influencing vegetative growth and tuber formation. As shown in the figure, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) can optimize nitrogen management by increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), boosting yield, and reducing nitrogen losses. Nitrogen is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis, which drives photosynthesis and provides the energy necessary for tuber growth. Adequate nitrogen supply can expand leaf area, promote stem growth, and enhance photosynthetic efficiency, leading to an increase in the number and size of tubers. Studies indicate that optimal nitrogen levels can significantly increase yield and improve tuber quality traits, such as tuber size, dry matter content, and specific gravity, all of which are essential for commercial potato production (Ayyub et al., 2019). However, the effect of nitrogen on potato yield is not linear. Excessive nitrogen application can disturb the balance between vegetative growth and tuber development. When nitrogen is oversupplied, potato plants often produce more leaf and stem biomass, delaying tuber formation and reducing overall yield. Additionally, excessive nitrogen may decrease tuber quality, as indicated by lower dry matter content, increased water content, and increased susceptibility to damage and diseases such as late blight (Rens et al., 2015). Conversely, nitrogen deficiency can limit plant growth, reduce leaf area, and hinder tuber development. Insufficient nitrogen leads to chlorosis (reduced chlorophyll), lower photosynthesis rates, and reduced tuber size and number, which in turn decreases marketable yield. Figure 2 highlights the role of different types of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (such as polymer-coated urea, PCU) in improving nitrogen use efficiency while
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