Eurasian Journal of Soil Science

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, but excessive application can lead to environmental degradation and reduced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study evaluated the effects of different nitrogen application rates (0, 60, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 kg N/ha) on tuber yield, nitrogen uptake, and soil nitrate accumulation over two growing seasons. The results showed that the highest tuber yield (20.8 t/ha) was obtained at 150 kg N/ha, beyond which further increases in nitrogen application did not result in significant yield improvements (P<0.05). Nitrogen uptake increased with application rates but reached a saturation point beyond 150 kg N/ha, leading to declining NUE. Soil nitrate levels significantly increased at higher N rates, particularly in deeper soil layers (40–60 cm), posing a potential risk of nitrate leaching. Apparent nitrogen balance calculations indicated substantial nitrogen surpluses at rates above 180 kg N/ha, further emphasizing the risk of nitrogen losses to the environment. These findings suggest that applying nitrogen at 150 kg/ha optimizes potato yield while minimizing environmental risks. Precision nitrogen management strategies, including split applications and slow-release fertilizers, should be adopted to enhance NUE and reduce nitrate leaching. Further long-term studies are needed to refine nitrogen recommendations under varying soil and climatic conditions to ensure sustainable potato production.

Keywords

Nitrogen fertilization, Tuber yield, Soil nitrogen dynamics, NUE, Sandy loam soil, Fertilizer management.

References

<p>Adilbayeva, K., Moisseyev, R., Kolchenko, M., Kenzhebekova, R., Khassanov, V., Beisembina, B., Azhimakhan, M., Tokbergenova, Z., Sharipova, D., Krasavin, V.,&nbsp; Pozharskiy, A., Pozharskiy, D., 2024. Genetic Evaluation of Kazakhstani potato germplasm for pathogen and pest resistance using DNA markers. <em>Agronomy</em> 14(9): 1923.</p>

<p>Alimkhanov, Y., Yeleshev, R., Yertayeva, B., Aitbayeva, A., 2021. Responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties to NPK fertilization on tuber yield in the Southeast of Kazakhstan. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 10(4): 285 - 289.</p>

<p>Anas, M., Liao, F., Verma, K.K.&nbsp;Sarwar,&nbsp;M.A., Mahmood,&nbsp;A., Chen,&nbsp;Z.L., Li,&nbsp;Q., Zeng,&nbsp;X.P., Liu, Y., Li, Y.R., 2020. Fate of nitrogen in agriculture and environment: agronomic, eco-physiological and molecular approaches to improve nitrogen use efficiency.&nbsp;<em>Biological Research</em>&nbsp;53: 47.</p>

<p>Awaad, M.S., Deshesh, T.H.M.A., 2019. Wheat growth and nitrogen use efficiency under drip irrigation on semi-arid region. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 8(3): 229-236.</p>

<p>Barraclough, D., Jarvis, S., Davies, G., Williams, J., 1992. The relation between fertilizer nitrogen applications and nitrate leaching from grazed grassland. <em>Soil Use and Management</em> 8: 51&ndash;55.</p>

<p>Bellido, L, Mu&ntilde;oz-Romero, V., L&oacute;pez-Bellido, R.J., 2013. Nitrate accumulation in the soil profile: long-term effects of tillage, rotation and N rate in a Mediterranean Vertisol. <em>Soil and Tillage Research</em> 130: 18&ndash;23.</p>

<p>Bibi, S., Saifullah, Naeem, A., Dahlawi, S., 2016. Environmental impacts of nitrogen use in agriculture, nitrate leaching and mitigation strategies. In: Soil Science: Agricultural and Environmental Prospectives. Hakeem, K., Akhtar, J., Sabir, M. (Eds.). Springer, Cham. pp 131&ndash;157.</p>

<p>Bijay-Singh, Craswell, E., 2021. Fertilizers and nitrate pollution of surface and ground water: an increasingly pervasive global problem.&nbsp;<em>SN Applied Sciences </em>3: 518.</p>

<p>Birch, P.R.J., Bryan, G., Fenton, B.,&nbsp;Gilroy,&nbsp;E.M., Hein,&nbsp;I., Jones, J.T., &nbsp;Prashar,&nbsp;A., Taylor,&nbsp;M.A., Torrance, L., Toth, I.K., 2012. Crops that feed the world 8: Potato: are the trends of increased global production sustainable?.&nbsp;<em>Food Security </em>4: 477&ndash;508.</p>

<p>Budanov, N., Aitbayev, Т., Buribayeva, L., Zhylkibayev, A., Yertayeva, Z., 2023. Impact of different organic fertilizers on soil available nutrient contents, potato yield, tuber nitrate contents. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 12(3): 215-221.</p>

<p>Davenport, J.R., Milburn, P.H., Rosen, C.J., Thornton, R.E., 2005. Environmental impacts of potato nutrient management. <em>American Journal of Potato Research</em> 82: 321&ndash;328.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Drewnowski, A., Rehm, C.D., 2013. Vegetable cost metrics show that potatoes and beans provide most nutrients per penny. <em>PLoS One</em> 8: e63277.</p>

<p>Jiao, F., Wu, J.H., Yu, L.H., Zhai, R.C., 2013.&nbsp;15N tracer technique analysis of the absorption and utilisation of nitrogen fertiliser by potatoes. <em>Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems</em> 95:345&ndash;351.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jones, J.B., 2001. Laboratory guide for conducting soil tests and plant analyses. CRC Press, New York, USA. 363p.</p>

<p>Khangura, R., Ferris, D., Wagg, C., Bowyer, J., 2023. Regenerative agriculture&mdash;A literature review on the practices and mechanisms used to improve soil health. <em>Sustainability</em> 15(3): 2338.</p>

<p>Kloosterman, B., Abelenda, J., Gomez, M., Oortwijn, M., de Boer, J.M.,&nbsp; Kowitwanich, K.,&nbsp; Horvath, B.M., van Eck, H.J., Smaczniak, C., Prat, S., Visser, R.G.F., Christian W. B. Bachem, C.W.B., 2013.Naturally occurring allele diversity allows potato cultivation in northern latitudes. <em>Nature</em> 495: 246&ndash;250.</p>

<p>Koch, M., Naumann, M., Pawelzik, E.<strong>, </strong>Gransee, A., 2020<strong>.</strong> The importance of nutrient management for potato production Part I: Plant nutrition and yield. <em>Potato Research</em> 63<strong>:</strong> 97&ndash;119.</p>

<p>Liu, K., Du, J., Zhong, Y., Shen, Z., Yu, X., 2021. The response of potato tuber yield, nitrogen uptake, soil nitrate nitrogen to different nitrogen rates in red soil. <em>Scientific Reports</em> 11: 22506.</p>

<p>Millar, N., Robertson, G.P., Grace, P.R., Gehl, R.J., Hoben, J.P., 2010.&nbsp;Nitrogen fertilizer management for nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation in intensive corn (Maize) production: an emissions reduction protocol for US Midwest agriculture.&nbsp;<em>Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change </em>15: 185&ndash;204.</p>

<p>Salo, T., Turtola, E., 2006. Nitrogen balance as an indicator of nitrogen leaching in Finland. <em>Agriculture, Ecosystems &amp; Environment </em>113(1&ndash;4): 98-107.</p>

<p>Sawicka, B., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Pszcz&oacute;łkowski, P., Bielińska, E.J., W&oacute;jcikowska-Kapusta, A., Barbaś, P., Skiba, D., 2020. Effect of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on the enzymatic activity of the soil for sweet potato (<em>Ipomoea batatas</em>&nbsp;L. [Lam.]) cultivation.&nbsp;<em>Agronomy&nbsp;</em>10(12): 1970.</p>

<p>Sawicka, B., Michałek, W., Pszcz&oacute;łkowski, P., Danilčenko, H., 2018. Variation in productivity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam.]) under different conditions of nitrogen fertilization. <em>Zemdirbyste-Agriculture</em> 105: 149&ndash;158.</p>

<p>Solano, J., Corr&ecirc;a, C., Gouveia, A., Evangelista, R., Cardoso, A., Ming, L.C., 2018. The quality of sweet potatoes with different doses and separate application of nitrogen fertilizer.&nbsp;<em>Acta Horticulturae </em>1194: 79&ndash;84.</p>

<p>Tadesse, M., Lommen, W.J.M., Struik, P.C., 2001. Effects of nitrogen pre-treatment of transplants from in vitro produced potato plantlets on transplant growth and yield in the field. <em>NJAS: Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences</em> 49: 67&ndash;79.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tokbergenova, Z.A., Babayev, S.A., Togayeva, D.U., Kudusbekova, D.Z., Zagurskii, A.V., 2017. Efficiency of microtubers application in the production of original potato seeds. <em>OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences</em> 17(4): 316-322.</p>

<p>Wang, C., Zang, H., Liu, J., Shi, X., Li, S., Chen, F., Chu, Q., 2020.&nbsp;Optimum nitrogen rate to maintain sustainable potato production and improve nitrogen use efficiency at a regional scale in China. A meta-analysis.&nbsp;<em>Agronomy for Sustainable Development </em>40: 37.</p>

<p>Wang, H., Gao, J.E., Li, X.H., Zhang, S.l., Wang, H.J., 2015. Nitrate accumulation and leaching in surface and ground water based on simulated rainfall experiments. <em>PLoS ONE</em> 10(8): e0136274.</p>

<p>Wick, K., Heumesser, C., Schmid, E., 2012. Groundwater nitrate contamination: Factors and indicators. <em>Journal of Environmental Management </em>111: 178-186.</p>

<p>Wilkinson, S., Weston, A.K., Marks, D.J., 2020. Stabilising urea amine nitrogen increases potato tuber yield by increasing chlorophyll content, reducing shoot growth rate and increasing biomass partitioning to roots and tubers.&nbsp;<em>Potato Research </em>63: 217&ndash;239.</p>

<p>Ye, J.Y., Tian, W.H., Jin, C.W., 2022. Nitrogen in plants: from nutrition to the modulation of abiotic stress adaptation.&nbsp;<em>Stress Biology</em>&nbsp;2: 4.</p>

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, but excessive application can lead to environmental degradation and reduced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study evaluated the effects of different nitrogen application rates (0, 60, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 kg N/ha) on tuber yield, nitrogen uptake, and soil nitrate accumulation over two growing seasons. The results showed that the highest tuber yield (20.8 t/ha) was obtained at 150 kg N/ha, beyond which further increases in nitrogen application did not result in significant yield improvements (P<0.05). Nitrogen uptake increased with application rates but reached a saturation point beyond 150 kg N/ha, leading to declining NUE. Soil nitrate levels significantly increased at higher N rates, particularly in deeper soil layers (40–60 cm), posing a potential risk of nitrate leaching. Apparent nitrogen balance calculations indicated substantial nitrogen surpluses at rates above 180 kg N/ha, further emphasizing the risk of nitrogen losses to the environment. These findings suggest that applying nitrogen at 150 kg/ha optimizes potato yield while minimizing environmental risks. Precision nitrogen management strategies, including split applications and slow-release fertilizers, should be adopted to enhance NUE and reduce nitrate leaching. Further long-term studies are needed to refine nitrogen recommendations under varying soil and climatic conditions to ensure sustainable potato production.

Keywords: Nitrogen fertilization, Tuber yield, Soil nitrogen dynamics, NUE, Sandy loam soil, Fertilizer management.

References

Adilbayeva, K., Moisseyev, R., Kolchenko, M., Kenzhebekova, R., Khassanov, V., Beisembina, B., Azhimakhan, M., Tokbergenova, Z., Sharipova, D., Krasavin, V.,  Pozharskiy, A., Pozharskiy, D., 2024. Genetic Evaluation of Kazakhstani potato germplasm for pathogen and pest resistance using DNA markers. Agronomy 14(9): 1923.

Alimkhanov, Y., Yeleshev, R., Yertayeva, B., Aitbayeva, A., 2021. Responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties to NPK fertilization on tuber yield in the Southeast of Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 10(4): 285 - 289.

Anas, M., Liao, F., Verma, K.K. Sarwar, M.A., Mahmood, A., Chen, Z.L., Li, Q., Zeng, X.P., Liu, Y., Li, Y.R., 2020. Fate of nitrogen in agriculture and environment: agronomic, eco-physiological and molecular approaches to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Biological Research 53: 47.

Awaad, M.S., Deshesh, T.H.M.A., 2019. Wheat growth and nitrogen use efficiency under drip irrigation on semi-arid region. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 8(3): 229-236.

Barraclough, D., Jarvis, S., Davies, G., Williams, J., 1992. The relation between fertilizer nitrogen applications and nitrate leaching from grazed grassland. Soil Use and Management 8: 51–55.

Bellido, L, Muñoz-Romero, V., López-Bellido, R.J., 2013. Nitrate accumulation in the soil profile: long-term effects of tillage, rotation and N rate in a Mediterranean Vertisol. Soil and Tillage Research 130: 18–23.

Bibi, S., Saifullah, Naeem, A., Dahlawi, S., 2016. Environmental impacts of nitrogen use in agriculture, nitrate leaching and mitigation strategies. In: Soil Science: Agricultural and Environmental Prospectives. Hakeem, K., Akhtar, J., Sabir, M. (Eds.). Springer, Cham. pp 131–157.

Bijay-Singh, Craswell, E., 2021. Fertilizers and nitrate pollution of surface and ground water: an increasingly pervasive global problem. SN Applied Sciences 3: 518.

Birch, P.R.J., Bryan, G., Fenton, B., Gilroy, E.M., Hein, I., Jones, J.T.,  Prashar, A., Taylor, M.A., Torrance, L., Toth, I.K., 2012. Crops that feed the world 8: Potato: are the trends of increased global production sustainable?. Food Security 4: 477–508.

Budanov, N., Aitbayev, Т., Buribayeva, L., Zhylkibayev, A., Yertayeva, Z., 2023. Impact of different organic fertilizers on soil available nutrient contents, potato yield, tuber nitrate contents. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 12(3): 215-221.

Davenport, J.R., Milburn, P.H., Rosen, C.J., Thornton, R.E., 2005. Environmental impacts of potato nutrient management. American Journal of Potato Research 82: 321–328. 

Drewnowski, A., Rehm, C.D., 2013. Vegetable cost metrics show that potatoes and beans provide most nutrients per penny. PLoS One 8: e63277.

Jiao, F., Wu, J.H., Yu, L.H., Zhai, R.C., 2013. 15N tracer technique analysis of the absorption and utilisation of nitrogen fertiliser by potatoes. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 95:345–351. 

Jones, J.B., 2001. Laboratory guide for conducting soil tests and plant analyses. CRC Press, New York, USA. 363p.

Khangura, R., Ferris, D., Wagg, C., Bowyer, J., 2023. Regenerative agriculture—A literature review on the practices and mechanisms used to improve soil health. Sustainability 15(3): 2338.

Kloosterman, B., Abelenda, J., Gomez, M., Oortwijn, M., de Boer, J.M.,  Kowitwanich, K.,  Horvath, B.M., van Eck, H.J., Smaczniak, C., Prat, S., Visser, R.G.F., Christian W. B. Bachem, C.W.B., 2013.Naturally occurring allele diversity allows potato cultivation in northern latitudes. Nature 495: 246–250.

Koch, M., Naumann, M., Pawelzik, E., Gransee, A., 2020. The importance of nutrient management for potato production Part I: Plant nutrition and yield. Potato Research 63: 97–119.

Liu, K., Du, J., Zhong, Y., Shen, Z., Yu, X., 2021. The response of potato tuber yield, nitrogen uptake, soil nitrate nitrogen to different nitrogen rates in red soil. Scientific Reports 11: 22506.

Millar, N., Robertson, G.P., Grace, P.R., Gehl, R.J., Hoben, J.P., 2010. Nitrogen fertilizer management for nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation in intensive corn (Maize) production: an emissions reduction protocol for US Midwest agriculture. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 15: 185–204.

Salo, T., Turtola, E., 2006. Nitrogen balance as an indicator of nitrogen leaching in Finland. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 113(1–4): 98-107.

Sawicka, B., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Pszczółkowski, P., Bielińska, E.J., Wójcikowska-Kapusta, A., Barbaś, P., Skiba, D., 2020. Effect of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on the enzymatic activity of the soil for sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam.]) cultivation. Agronomy 10(12): 1970.

Sawicka, B., Michałek, W., Pszczółkowski, P., Danilčenko, H., 2018. Variation in productivity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam.]) under different conditions of nitrogen fertilization. Zemdirbyste-Agriculture 105: 149–158.

Solano, J., Corrêa, C., Gouveia, A., Evangelista, R., Cardoso, A., Ming, L.C., 2018. The quality of sweet potatoes with different doses and separate application of nitrogen fertilizer. Acta Horticulturae 1194: 79–84.

Tadesse, M., Lommen, W.J.M., Struik, P.C., 2001. Effects of nitrogen pre-treatment of transplants from in vitro produced potato plantlets on transplant growth and yield in the field. NJAS: Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 49: 67–79. 

Tokbergenova, Z.A., Babayev, S.A., Togayeva, D.U., Kudusbekova, D.Z., Zagurskii, A.V., 2017. Efficiency of microtubers application in the production of original potato seeds. OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences 17(4): 316-322.

Wang, C., Zang, H., Liu, J., Shi, X., Li, S., Chen, F., Chu, Q., 2020. Optimum nitrogen rate to maintain sustainable potato production and improve nitrogen use efficiency at a regional scale in China. A meta-analysis. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 40: 37.

Wang, H., Gao, J.E., Li, X.H., Zhang, S.l., Wang, H.J., 2015. Nitrate accumulation and leaching in surface and ground water based on simulated rainfall experiments. PLoS ONE 10(8): e0136274.

Wick, K., Heumesser, C., Schmid, E., 2012. Groundwater nitrate contamination: Factors and indicators. Journal of Environmental Management 111: 178-186.

Wilkinson, S., Weston, A.K., Marks, D.J., 2020. Stabilising urea amine nitrogen increases potato tuber yield by increasing chlorophyll content, reducing shoot growth rate and increasing biomass partitioning to roots and tubers. Potato Research 63: 217–239.

Ye, J.Y., Tian, W.H., Jin, C.W., 2022. Nitrogen in plants: from nutrition to the modulation of abiotic stress adaptation. Stress Biology 2: 4.