Sweet Potato Planting
Planting season is a challenging time in which a large number of cuttings need to be prepared and planted within a relatively short time depending on what part of the world it is being grown.
Proper selection and good preparation of the field soil are therefore important aspects that affect the entire growing season..
The following considerations should be taken during soil selection:
Soil structure and type.
Content of minerals and micro-elements in the soil.
Water retention and level of drainage.
Soil pests and previous crops grown.
Once all soil tests have been carried out and results have been obtained, cultivation and preparation of the field for planting can begin.
If possible, it is advisable to spread cattle manure compost in the amount of 30 to 50 cubic meters per hectare and plowing the soil after dispersal.
Based on soil test results, if necessary, potassium and phosphorus should be added providing the amount after marking the flowerbeds.
Creating the ridges in which the sweet potato cuttings will be planted.
The size of the ridges and the space between them should match the farm machinery and the tractors.
It is acceptable to build flowerbeds between 150-180 cm wide (depending on the width between the tractor wheels) and dividing the flowerbeds into two ridges between 75-90 cm respectively.
The widths of the ridges will not significantly affects the crop yield per hectare but depends on how the yield will be harvested. If harvested manually or by a single-toothed plow than it is easier to work with small ridges.
When the field is ready, an irrigation system must be installed.
Three days before the planting date, the field should be sprayed with a herbicide that prevents the sprouting of weeds and irrigated with about 300 cubic meters of water per hectare.
Planting is usually done manually. It is important to insert 2-3 eyes of the cutting slip into the soil tightening it for good rooting.
The planted area should be watered as soon as possible after planting
