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Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2026, Vol. 17, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 12 Oct., 2026

Fertilization management plays a critical role in regulating nutrient acquisition, biomass accumulation, rhizome development, and medicinal quality formation of Atractylodes macrocephala. This paper systematically reviews the effects of different fertilization regimes on nutrient uptake and rhizome quality of A. macrocephala, with emphasis on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying fertilizer-induced growth improvement and secondary metabolite accumulation. Different nutrient management strategies, including inorganic fertilization, organic fertilization, and organic-inorganic integrated fertilization, influence soil nutrient availability, root development, nutrient absorption efficiency, and carbon allocation patterns. Balanced nutrient supply promotes root system activity, enhances nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake and utilization, and facilitates biomass accumulation and rhizome expansion. Excessive or imbalanced fertilization, however, may reduce nutrient use efficiency, disrupt plant metabolic balance, and negatively affect medicinal compound accumulation. Optimized fertilization regimes improve photosynthetic performance, regulate nutrient metabolism, and enhance the synthesis of bioactive compounds, including atractylenolides, polysaccharides, and volatile constituents, thereby improving rhizome yield and medicinal quality. A case-study framework further demonstrates the importance of integrating plant growth traits, nutrient accumulation characteristics, fertilizer use efficiency, and quality-related metabolites to evaluate fertilizer management strategies. Overall, the coordination between soil nutrient supply, root nutrient uptake, physiological regulation, and secondary metabolism determines the final yield and quality of A. macrocephala rhizomes. This review provides theoretical guidance for developing efficient, sustainable, and precision fertilization practices in medicinal plant cultivation.