Yam Planting Techniques and Field Cultivation Management Points to Note

AbstractPlanting points: The suitable temperature for rooting and sprouting is around 10-24°C, the soil pH for planting is slightly acidic or neutral, during which the length of the trench to be dug should be determined according to the yam variety type, and the cut surface of the yam should be smeared with disinfecting ash before planting. Field management: When the yam vines first begin to grow, support frames should be set up and weeds removed in time, and an appropriate amount of urea should be applied during the growing period, with good irrigation and drainage work.

I. Planting Points

1. Choosing soil

(1) Yam is a warmth-loving crop, and the suitable temperature for rooting and sprouting is around 10-24°C. In our country, except for some relatively cold regions, most provinces and cities can grow yams.

(2) For planting yams, it is suitable to choose soft sandy soil in areas with higher terrain and convenient drainage and irrigation, with a soil pH that is slightly acidic or neutral.

2. Digging trenches

(1) Usually the length of the trench to be dug is determined according to the yam variety type. After digging the trench, do not sow immediately; instead, let it dry in the sun for a few days according to the temperature, and then backfill the trench.

(2) Generally, when backfilling, the bottom layer, lower layer soil, and middle layer soil should be compacted in order, and finally the surface layer should be cleaned up.

3. Selecting varieties

Before planting, according to factors such as local climate conditions, select high-quality yams free of pests and diseases, with high vigor and buds, then smear the cut surface with disinfecting ash before planting.

II. Field Management

1. Setting up support frames

(1) During the growth process of yams, the vines must be kept away from the ground. When the yam vines first begin to grow, support frames need to be set up for training, so that the yam vines slowly climb upward along the support.

(2) A relatively low-cost support can be built with bamboo pieces, during which an A-shaped frame or a box-shaped frame can be erected, with a height of about 2 m.

2. Weeding

After the yam stems curl onto the support, weed once after 15 days. When weeding, dig part of the soil between the frames into the frames so that the inside of the frames is raised, and a trench with a depth of 20 cm and a width of about 30 cm is formed outside the frames, to facilitate drainage during the rainy season.

3. Fertilizing

(1) When the yam vines have curled halfway up the support, apply urea once. The amount of fertilizer applied should be determined according to the growth condition of the yams and the color of the vine leaves.

(2) Generally, those growing more vigorously should be given less fertilizer, while weak seedlings should be given more. When the vines have covered the entire support, if weak seedlings or yellow-leaved yams are found, fertilizer can be applied again.

4. Irrigation and drainage

(1) Yams are relatively drought-tolerant, but to achieve high yield, attention should be paid to the amount of watering. Generally, before and after the first topdressing, if the soil is relatively dry, water 1-2 times.

(2) During the rainy season, ditches need to be cleared in time for drainage, to avoid water accumulation in the field, which would lead to a decline in yam quality and yield.