Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part N (2025)

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a crucial determinant of sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, where it significantly impacts yield, environmental sustainability and farm profitability. NUE consists of two primary components: nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE uptake), which refers to the plant's capacity to absorb nitrogen from the soil and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE utilization), which is the effectiveness of converting absorbed nitrogen into crop biomass or tuber yield. While nitrogen is essential for optimal potato growth, inefficient nitrogen use leads to environmental problems such as nitrogen leaching, greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation. This results in both economic losses and environmental harm. As nitrogen fertilizer costs rise, improving NUE is vital to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and enhance the environmental sustainability of potato farming. Various factors influence NUE, including genetic variation, environmental conditions and agronomic practices like fertilization methods, irrigation strategies and soil management techniques. Recent advancements in breeding for NUE and the integration of precision agriculture technologies, such as variable-rate fertilization and real-time monitoring systems, have demonstrated significant potential in optimizing nitrogen management. Additionally, strategies like integrated nutrient management, using organic amendments and incorporating biofertilizers have been found to improve nitrogen uptake and reduce nitrogen losses from the system. However, achieving high NUE in potatoes requires a holistic approach, encompassing improved plant breeding, better understanding of plant-soil-environment interactions and precision agronomy practices. This review explores the factors influencing NUE in potatoes, the challenges faced in optimizing nitrogen management and the promising opportunities for improvement through genetic advancements and modern agricultural technologies. By adopting integrated approaches, the potato industry can move towards more sustainable, efficient and profitable production, thus contributing to global food security and environmental conservation.