Key points of yam planting technology and management

Yangtzu , whose scientific name is yam bean, is also known as sweet potato and kudzu potato in some places. It is a vine-type herb. In China, it is widely cultivated mainly in the Yangtze River Basin and southern regions. Yam varieties are divided into three categories according to their maturity time: early, mid and late. Let’s learn about the planting techniques and management points of sweet potato.

1. Planting time

Early-maturing yam is mainly cultivated in southern China, and the suitable sowing period is usually from late March to early April. This variety is mostly grown in a greenhouse and then transplanted. The entire growth cycle is about 130 to 150 days, and it can be harvested and put on the market in late August to early September.

The sowing time of mid-maturing varieties is between early-maturing and late-maturing varieties, and direct seeding in the field is generally chosen in early April. The entire cycle from sowing to harvesting takes more than 150 days, and it is expected to mature and be harvested in late September to early October. Late-maturing varieties have a wider planting range, and the sowing period is generally set from late April to early May. Because the temperature is relatively high during this period, there is no need for germination and seedling raising during planting, and seeds can be sown directly in the field. The full growth cycle of late-maturing yam is relatively long, about 160 to 190 days, and it usually matures and is harvested in late October to November.

2. Land preparation

Yam is best planted in sandy soil with loose texture, deep soil layer and good drainage. Avoid planting on hillsides with shallow soil or in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. Before tilling, the land must be plowed deeply to a depth of about 20 cm and sufficient base fertilizer must be applied, including 2,000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure, 200 kg of wood ash and 30 kg of compound fertilizer . Next, the land was leveled into ridges 1.2 meters wide and the ditch depth was kept at 30 centimeters.

3. Germination

For early-maturing varieties, germination treatment is required before sowing. Select plump seeds, soak them for 24 hours, then wrap them with moist gauze and place them in an environment of 25 to 28 degrees for germination. Take out the seeds every day and soak them quickly in clean water for about 1 minute. They will usually germinate in 3 to 4 days.

4. Planting seeds

There is no need to germinate mid- and late-maturing varieties; just sow the seeds directly after soaking for one day. The method of direct seeding is adopted by digging holes, 1 to 2 seeds are sown in each hole, and the row and plant spacing are 50 cm and 30 cm respectively. 2500 to 3000 plants can be planted per acre, and about 1.5 kg of seeds are required.

5. Field management

About 10 days after sowing, the sweet potatoes begin to sprout. When the seedlings grow two true leaves, thin them out and keep one healthy seedling in each hole. After the main vine grows to 10 cm, carry out tillage, weeding, topdressing, and add 5 cm of soil. By mid-to-late June, the tubers begin to swell and need to be fertilized again. Attention should be paid to timely irrigation to prevent waterlogging.

6. Build a scaffold and prune

When the main vine grows to 30 cm, a support should be built, using bamboo strips to construct a herringbone support to guide the main vine onto the support, and the side vines should be removed in time.

7. Picking flowers and topping

When the jicama vine grows to 1.2 meters in height, it will begin to form inflorescences. Since flowering consumes a lot of nutrients and affects the growth of tubers, in addition to preserving seeds, the inflorescences should be removed in time and topping should be carried out to inhibit the growth of side buds.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation techniques of yam. You can refer to it according to the actual situation and formulate the most suitable planting plan according to the geographical factors.