Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 12-19 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 16 confirmed that this practice could result in higher yields and perhaps reduced environmental impact by saving soil-applied fertilizers, which tend to be more environmentally friendly. This technique not only improves the nutritional acquisition of plants but also facilitates sustainable agriculture by reducing environmental deterioration due to fertilization (Wang et al., 2021). 5.3 Role of scientific fertilization in promoting eco-friendly agriculture Scientific fertilization, as represented by the application of professional foliar sprays like Ekolist S, plays a basic part in helping sustainable agriculture. By optimizing fertilizer composition and timing, scientific fertilization is able to avoid excessive fertilization, attain optimal plant growth and yield, and reduce negative impacts on the environment (Guan et al., 2022). This strategy compels the practices of sustainable agriculture by effective use of nutrient inputs, reducing the likelihood of pollution and natural resource degradation. Fertilizer use planning can then contribute to building farming systems that are both productive and ecologically sound (Guo et al., 2020). 6 Challenges in Technology and Practice 6.1 Technical challenges in precision fertilization for medicinal plant production Accurate fertilization in the production of medicinal plants such as Leonurus japonicus is faced with a series of technical challenges. One of the major challenges is the varying nutrient uptake and response among species as well as varied growth stages of the same species (Lin et al., 2020). For instance, the foliar fertilization experiment with Ekolist S in motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) demonstrated how timing and frequency of application significantly impacted growth and yield in plants and, importantly, there were differential effects in contrast years of plant growth (Vega-Vásquez et al., 2020). This indicates the complexity of how to devise a one-size-fits-all fertilization strategy that maximizes both quality and yield irrespective of the environmental situation and developmental stage of the plant. 6.2 Potential impacts of fertilization on long-term stability of quality and yield of Leonurus japonicus Leonurus japonicus yield and stability in quality in the long term is a concern. The motherwort experiment revealed that while the yield was impacted perceptively by the impact of fertilization, the impact of fertilization on the quality, i.e., flavonoid, was not necessarily regular (Mikula et al., 2019). This paradox also reflects the reality that while fertilization has been used to boost short-term harvests, previously it could not ensure long-term stability of active ingredient content, which is necessary in medicinal plants. Long-term soil degradation and nutrient imbalance also pose a threat to uniform quality and yields (Radočaj et al., 2022). 6.3 Balancing fertilization practices with environmental and cost-effectiveness concerns Balancing cost-effective fertilization practices with cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability is a dilemma important to resolve. Fertilizers, though useful for yields when used, have the potential to generate environmental issues such as nutrient runoff and soil degradation if not handled effectively (Zhu et al., 2023). Ekolist S research highlighted the need to balance fertilization practices against economic profitability without undermining environmental sustainability. Strategy formulation that ensures optimal use of nutrients and environmental footprint minimization is paramount for sustainable medicinal plant production (Hao et al., 2024). 7 Case Studies and Strategy Analysis 7.1 Successful fertilization management cases for Leonurus japonicus in different regions Foliar spraying with Ekolist S over a three-year trial on loamy soil resulted in outstanding growth and yield increases in motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.). The fertilization regime used was spraying 1% solution of Ekolist S every six months for the first year and every four months for the second year. This approach contributed to the average increase being 85% in the first year and 42% in the second year, reflecting the magnitude of fertilization programs running at certain growth stages and positions to enhance productivity (Cai et al., 2024). 7.2 Promotion and practical recommendations for integrated fertilization strategies The findings of the Ekolist S study have implications that complete fertilization schedules, both macro- and micro-nutrient needs, can significantly enhance the yield and quality of Leonurus japonicus (Liu and Du, 2024).
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