Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):883-890 | DOI: 10.17221/514/2025-PSE

Response of potato tuber yield to NPK fertiliser in China: a meta-analysisOriginal Paper

Shun Li1, Lei Zeng2, Ling Zhao3
1 Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary, Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China
2 Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China
3 College of Finance and Economics, Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an economically significant food crop in China, and increasing tuber yield is a national priority. We conducted a meta-analysis utilising 180 studies and 1 583 pairs of observations to quantify the effects of fertilisation on potato tuber yield using data on climate, soil nutrients, and planting strategies. Compared with no fertilisation, fertilisation increased tuber yield by 33.64% overall. Applying single N, P, or K fertilisers increased yield by 33.64, 23.37, and 16.18%, respectively; combined NP, NK, and PK applications increased yield by 33.64, 36.34, and 19.12%, respectively. The greatest yield increase (49.18%) was achieved when NPK fertilisers were applied together. Average annual precipitation had the strongest effect on tuber yield, followed by cultivar identity and the availability of soil potassium. Under appropriate fertilisation regimes, tailoring planting strategies to local climate and soil nutrient status can maximise potato yield and improve economic returns. These findings have implications for future potato cultivation in China.

Keywords: crop productivity; macronutrient; environmental condition; production; heterogeneity

Received: November 11, 2025; Revised: November 26, 2025; Accepted: November 28, 2025; Prepublished online: December 12, 2025; Published: December 18, 2025  Show citation

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Li S, Zeng L, Zhao L. Response of potato tuber yield to NPK fertiliser in China: a meta-analysis. Plant Soil Environ. 2025;71(12):883-890. doi: 10.17221/514/2025-PSE.
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