Yam (Chinese Yam) Planting Techniques and Management Methods, with Fertilization Key Points
AbstractSoil selection: It is suitable to choose soft sandy soil for planting. Digging trenches and sun-drying: The length of the trench to be dug is determined by the variety type of the yam. Variety selection: Select high-quality yam with no pests or diseases, high vigor, and sprouting tubers. Building supports: You can erect 1 A-frame or a frame-type trellis, with a height of about 2m. Timely weeding: When the yam stems curl onto the supports, weeding should be carried out 1 time every 15 days. Fertilization method: When the vines have curled halfway up the supports, 1 application of urea can be made.
1. Soil Selection
Yam is a warm-loving crop. The suitable temperature for rooting and sprouting is about 10-24°C. In China, except for relatively cold regions, most provinces and cities can grow yam. For planting yam, it is suitable to choose soft sandy soil, areas with higher terrain and convenient irrigation and drainage, and soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH.
2. Digging Trenches and Sun-Drying
Generally, the length of the trench to be dug is determined according to the variety type of the yam. After digging the trench, do not sow immediately. Let it sun-dry for a few days according to the temperature, then backfill the trench. When backfilling, it needs to be compacted in the order of bottom layer, lower layer soil, and middle layer soil, then clean the surface.
3. Variety Selection
Before planting, according to factors such as local climatic conditions, select high-quality yam with no pests or diseases, high vigor, and sprouting tubers, then apply disinfecting ash to the cut surface before planting.
4. Building Supports
During the growth process of yam, the vines must be kept away from the ground. When the yam vines first begin to grow, supports need to be built for guidance, so that the yam vines slowly climb upward along the supports. For lower-cost supports, bamboo pieces can be used. Generally, 1 A-frame or frame-type trellis can be erected, with a height of about 2m.
5. Timely Weeding
When the yam stems curl onto the supports, weeding should be carried out 1 time every 15 days. When weeding, part of the soil between the frames should be dug into the frames, so that the inside of the frames is raised, and a trench with a depth of about 20cm and a width of about 30cm is formed outside the frames, to facilitate drainage during the rainy season.
6. Fertilization Method
When the yam vines have curled halfway up the supports, 1 application of urea can be made. The amount of fertilizer applied should be determined according to the growth condition of the yam and the color of the vine leaves. Generally, those growing more vigorously should be given less, and weak seedlings should be given more. When the vines have covered the entire support, if weak seedlings or yellow leaves are found among the yam, fertilization can be carried out again.
7. Irrigation and Drainage
Yam is relatively drought-tolerant, but if you want high yield, you need to pay attention to the amount of watering. Generally, before and after the 1st topdressing, if the soil is relatively dry, you can water 1-2 times. During the rainy season, ditches need to be cleaned in time for drainage, to avoid water accumulation in the field, which would cause the quality and yield of yam to decline.