[Guinness] No. 6—Agricultural University Humic Acid Boosts Potato Production in Tengzhou by Over RMB 200 Million

Tengzhou, Shandong—known as the “Home of Potatoes in China”—cultivates potatoes on 650,000 mu of land, generating an annual output value of over 4 billion yuan. It is the county with the largest planted area, the highest yield per unit, and the best economic returns in China’s double-cropping potato region, where farmers have consistently achieved yields exceeding 10,000 jin per mu and incomes surpassing 10,000 yuan per mu.

On July 5, the “Nongda Humic Acid” Cup China High-Quality Agricultural Products World Guinness Tengzhou Potato Challenge was solemnly held, co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Key Laboratory for Humic Acid Fertilizers, Shandong Radio and Television Station, and Nongda Fertilizer Co., Ltd.

Zhao Zhongyin, a researcher at the Agricultural Technology Extension Center of the Tengzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He stated that the “China Agricultural University Humic Acid: Challenging the World Guinness Record” initiative is a commendable endeavor that benefits the people of Tengzhou and advances potato cultivation in China; it is a major undertaking that serves both national interests and public welfare, driving fundamental transformation in Tengzhou’s potato farming.

Zhao Zhongyin pointed out that, in the past, potato cultivation—due to improper fertilization—had severely damaged the soil and led to a steady decline in potato quality. When technicians from Nongda Fertilizer Company visited the potato-growing region of Tengzhou, they introduced high-quality humic acid fertilizers, seamlessly integrating scientific fertilization with soil improvement. The results were remarkable: the soil in Tengzhou has steadily improved, potato yields have risen, the marketable appearance of the potatoes has become increasingly attractive, and their taste has grown ever better.

According to reports, this year the purchase price for Grade‑1 potatoes in Tengzhou stands at 1.4 yuan per jin, while ordinary potatoes are bought at 0.8 yuan per jin. Yield estimates indicate that potatoes treated with Nongda humic acid fertilizer achieve a Grade‑1 yield rate of approximately 20%, with an average increase of 500 to 900 jin per mu.

Based on the lowest‑estimate data, if all 650,000 mu of potatoes in Tengzhou were fertilized with Nongda humic acid fertilizer, each mu would see an additional yield of 500 jin. At a purchase price of 0.8 yuan per jin, the total revenue would amount to 650,000 mu × 500 jin/mu × 0.8 yuan/jin = 260 million yuan, boosting farmers’ incomes by over 200 million yuan and truly ensuring that “more growers reap greater benefits.”

Zhao Duncai, who won the championship in this potato challenge, said, “Winning the title was entirely expected. I’ve been using Nongda fertilizer for 12 years; with scientific fertilization and meticulous management, my potatoes thrive and fetch a good price.”

The establishment of the Agricultural University’s humic acid initiative to challenge the Guinness World Records has energized farmers, not only promoting scientifically sound fertilization practices but also encouraging more growers to prioritize soil health and crop quality—enabling them to produce high‑quality yields and command premium prices.