Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 137-149 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 139 (Nyawade et al., 2019b; Nyawade et al., 2020). Conservation tillage and blanketing can also improve soil structure, retain moisture, and be more resistant to erosion (Junge and Finckh, 2024; Marjanović et al., 2024). Through these ecological management methods, potato cultivation can not only bring income but also protect the environment, which is a way worth promoting. Figure 1 Runoff plots installed at right angle to the contours and parallel to the slope (Adopted from Nyawade et al., 2019b) 2.4 Biodiversity support in potato-based agricultural ecosystems Potato cultivation also has many advantages in improving biodiversity. Traditional high-input planting methods can easily reduce the number of plants and animals in the field and reduce the ecological service function (Junge and Finckh, 2024). However, if ecological agricultural methods are adopted, such as diversifying species, using less fertilizers and pesticides, and strengthening soil management, the types and numbers of microorganisms, insects, plants, etc. can be increased (Ierna and Distefano, 2024; Junge and Finckh, 2024; Marjanović et al., 2024). The use of organic fertilizers, green manures, microbial agents, and intercropping with other crops can not only improve soil activity, but also enhance the ability of crops to resist diseases and insects and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Microorganisms in potato roots can also help it grow better in drought or fertilizer shortages (Faist et al., 2023). Intercropping potatoes and beans can also increase the number of above- and below-ground biological species, improve ecosystem stability and yield (Nyawade et al., 2019b; 2020). If a multi-level and systematic management approach is adopted, the potato agricultural system can not only increase production but also protect the ecological environment, which is a good direction for sustainable agricultural development (Nyawade et al., 2019b; 2020; Faist et al., 2023; Junge and Finckh, 2024; Marjanović et al., 2024; Ierna and Distefano, 2024). 3 Potatoes and Sustainable Resource Utilization 3.1 Water use efficiency and drought resistance Potatoes have high water use efficiency and strong drought resistance. These two characteristics are particularly important as climate change is severe and water is becoming increasingly scarce. Studies have found that planting potatoes with legumes, such as sword beans and hairy vetch, and using silicon fertilizers can make the soil retain water better, the leaves contain more water, the yield naturally increases, and water is used more efficiently. Experiments in Kenyan fields have shown that this can increase water use efficiency by 45% to 67% (Nyawade et al., 2019c; 2020). Intercropping can also cover the ground with plants, reduce soil temperature, reduce water evaporation, increase the water content in the soil by 38%, and improve drought resistance (Nyawade et al., 2019c). Silicon fertilizers can also help plants adapt to drought, such as increasing the amount of regulating substances in leaves and making cell membranes more stable (Nyawade et al., 2020). In arid areas such as northwest China, crop rotation and mulching can also make potato water more efficient, reduce water footprint, and increase yield and income (Liu et al., 2023). 3.2 Role in crop rotation and soil fertility maintenance Potatoes play an important role in crop rotation. They can improve soil structure and maintain soil fertility, which is very helpful for sustainable agricultural development. If you only grow potatoes, the soil will deteriorate,
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