Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 137-149 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 145 and post-harvest management, and lack training and technical services (Zhang et al., 2024; Siamalube et al., 2025). There is a disconnect between scientific research and production, and good technologies are difficult to promote and farmers cannot use them. In some places, agricultural education and training resources are insufficient, and farmers have few opportunities to acquire new knowledge, which affects their learning and adaptability. The government and relevant institutions have limited investment in technical research, extension and services, and the support mechanism is imperfect, making the development of ecological agriculture more difficult. In addition, there are also some institutional problems in terms of policy implementation, capital investment, and departmental coordination, which affect the realization of sustainable development goals. 8 Case Studies 8.1 Andean Plateau: indigenous knowledge and agroecology The Andean Plateau is the origin of the potato, with a rich indigenous knowledge system and diverse agroecological practices. The cultivation techniques passed down from generation to generation by local indigenous communities emphasize diversity, crop rotation and ecological balance, and diversify risks and enhance system resilience by planting a variety of potato varieties. These practices not only enhance the resistance of crops to extreme climate and pests and diseases, but also promote soil health and biodiversity (Devaux et al., 2021). Indigenous farmers use traditional knowledge to select adaptable varieties, combined with organic fertilizers and natural resource management, to achieve a low-input, high-efficiency sustainable production model. The potato cultivation system in the Andes demonstrates the core concept of agroecology, that is, to improve productivity and ecological service functions through harmonious coexistence with the natural environment. 8.2 Sub-Saharan Africa: potato as a strategic food security crop In sub-Saharan Africa, the population is growing rapidly, and food shortages and malnutrition are prominent problems. Potatoes, with their high yield, short growth period and strong adaptability, have become the key to improving food accessibility and diversity (Devaux et al., 2020; 2021; Siamalube et al., 2025). Potatoes can not only achieve high yields under limited land and water resources, but also bring economic benefits to farmers and improve their livelihoods. In recent years, many African countries have introduced improved varieties, promoted efficient planting techniques and strengthened seed potato supply systems. Potatoes have shown unique advantages in responding to climate change, alleviating hunger and promoting nutritional diversity. 8.3 Europe: sustainable intensification model of potato system In recent years, European countries have widely adopted agricultural ecological measures such as conservation tillage, microbial inoculation, organic fertilizers and cover crops. Field trials in Hungary have shown that conservative tillage and beneficial microbial inoculation can increase potato yield and tuber quality, although some ecological benefits require long-term observation to appear (Marjanović et al., 2024). The European agricultural system focuses on systematic thinking, and through measures such as crop rotation, intercropping and returning organic matter to the field, it improves soil structure, enhances biodiversity, and effectively reduces pest and disease pressure (Junge and Finckh, 2024). 8.4 Asia: rice-potato rotation and climate adaptation Integrated cropping patterns such as rice-potato rotation are widely adopted in Asia, especially in China. Rice-potato rotation can not only break the cycle of pests and diseases and improve soil structure, but also improve soil fertility and crop yields through straw return and organic fertilizer application (Waheed et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2024) (Figure 3). The use of organic fertilizers and straw mulching can significantly improve the production efficiency, economic benefits and resource utilization of potatoes. Innovative technologies such as hydroponics have been promoted in parts of Asia, providing new ideas for potato seed production and efficient use of limited land resources (Rajendran et al., 2024). 9 Future Directions and Policy Recommendations 9.1 Research priorities for sustainable potato systems We need to improve potato yields and resource utilization efficiency. Soil can be improved and yields can be increased by using organic fertilizers, laying straw, and adding beneficial microorganisms (Ekin, 2019; Waheed et
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