Introduction
Sweet potato is a globally important root crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance. However, optimizing its growth and quality depends heavily on proper nutrient management. Nitrogen and potassium are two essential macronutrients influencing plant physiology, yield, and tuber quality. Understanding how these nutrients interact helps in developing efficient fertilization strategies that enhance both productivity and sustainability in sweet potato cultivation.
Nutrient Interaction and Plant Physiology
The interaction between nitrogen and potassium plays a critical role in photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll synthesis, and enzyme regulation within sweet potato leaves. Balanced nitrogen enhances vegetative growth, while potassium supports stomatal function and water regulation. Their synergistic application improves physiological efficiency, leading to healthier foliage and enhanced carbohydrate translocation to tubers.
Impact on Leaf Physiological Characteristics
Leaf characteristics such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration are directly influenced by nutrient interactions. Appropriate nitrogen and potassium levels promote vigorous leaf development, increased chlorophyll density, and improved photosynthetic capacity. This physiological improvement results in better plant growth, nutrient uptake, and ultimately, higher yields.
Influence on Yield and Biomass Production
The combined effect of nitrogen and potassium significantly affects total biomass accumulation and tuber yield in sweet potato. Balanced nutrient application ensures efficient nutrient partitioning between vegetative and storage organs. Studies show that optimal N–K combinations lead to higher tuber weight, better size uniformity, and improved yield stability under varying soil conditions.
Effect on Tuber Quality and Nutritional Composition
Beyond yield, nutrient management impacts the quality parameters of sweet potato tubers, including starch content, dry matter percentage, and vitamin composition. Potassium enhances sugar accumulation and taste, while nitrogen supports protein synthesis. A balanced N–K ratio ensures superior tuber quality suitable for both consumption and industrial processing.
Sustainable Fertilizer Management for Sweet Potato Production
Integrating scientific knowledge of N–K interactions into fertilizer management practices promotes sustainable sweet potato cultivation. Precision fertilization based on soil testing and crop requirements minimizes environmental impact while maximizing productivity. Adopting nutrient-efficient management systems can enhance food security and economic returns for farmers globally.
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