Growing sweet potatoes

The sweet potato is a warm-season crop and does not fare well in cool temperatures. Implementing a crop rotation strategy is also essential to keep pests and diseases at bay.

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The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) performs well in sandy-loam, loam or clay-loam soil. It needs good drainage and is sensitive to waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity. The optimum pH of irrigation water is 6,5. The main cultivars are Bophelo and Impilo (orange flesh) and Ndou, Monate and Bosbok (cream flesh).

A warm-season crop, sweet potato is sensitive to low temperatures. It performs best in subtropical areas, but can be grown in all provinces, provided that supplementary irrigation is available. The plant develops a degree of drought tolerance once the storage roots have formed.

Crop rotation is essential to prevent disease and pest build-up.

PREPARATION

Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 25cm to 30cm to allow for good root aeration, root penetration and drainage by ploughing or using a fork, hoe or spade. Remove stones and break down the hard soil layers until you have obtained a deep, fine bed.