Agronomic Practices and Innovations in Sustainable Sweet Potato (*Ipomoea batatas*) Production

Edaphoclimatic Requirements and Propagation Methods for Ipomoea batatas

The sweet potato, or Ipomoea batatas, is a crop of high nutritional value with remarkable adaptability to diverse edaphoclimatic conditions, establishing itself as a cornerstone of global and regional food security, particularly in countries like Argentina. Its culinary versatility and ability to thrive in less fertile soils make it an attractive option for both small-scale and large-scale growers. This analysis addresses essential agronomic practices and recent innovations that optimize its production, from land preparation to post-harvest strategies, enabling growers to maximize yield and sustainability.

Successful sweet potato production begins with proper soil preparation and selection of planting material. Sweet potatoes prefer sandy loam soils with good drainage and an optimal pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or worm castings, improves soil structure, water retention capacity, and nutrient availability, all crucial aspects for developing quality tubers. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth.

Sweet potato propagation is primarily done using cuttings or ‘slips,’ which are shoots obtained from previously sprouted tubers or mother plants. To obtain healthy slips, it is recommended to select disease-free tubers and sprout them in a moist substrate at a constant temperature of 25-30 °C. Once the shoots reach between 20 and 30 centimeters, they are cut and planted directly into the prepared field. This technique ensures genetic uniformity and minimizes pathogen transmission. In some regions, tuber pieces are also used, although this practice can increase the risk of diseases and does not always guarantee the same harvest quality. Planting density varies by variety and cultivation system, but generally ranges from 30 to 45 cm between plants and 90 to 120 cm between rows to allow for optimal root development and facilitate cultural operations. For more details on varieties and initial management, consult information from INTA Argentina: https://inta.gob.ar/documentos/cultivo-de-batata.

Nutrition and Phytosanitary Control Strategies in Sweet Potato Cultivation

While robust, sweet potatoes respond favorably to balanced nutritional management and integrated pest and disease control. Nutrient requirements vary throughout the crop cycle, with a higher demand for potassium during the tuber bulking phase, which is essential for quality and yield. Phosphorus is critical in the initial stages for root development, while nitrogen should be applied moderately to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of tubers. Periodic soil analyses allow for precise adjustment of amendments and fertilization, minimizing environmental impact and optimizing plant uptake.

Phytosanitary control focuses on prevention. Crop rotations are fundamental to break the life cycles of soil-specific pests and pathogens. Among the most common pests is the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), whose larvae bore into tubers, rendering them unmarketable. Management strategies include using pheromone traps, planting resistant varieties, and eliminating harvest residues. Fungal diseases such as soft rot (Rhizopus stolonifer) or scurf (Streptomyces ipomoeae) can be prevented through good drainage, selecting healthy planting material, and applying biological fungicides when necessary. Constant monitoring and early identification of problems are key to effective and sustainable intervention. For a more technical overview of these practices, Infoagro offers valuable resources: https://www.infoagro.com/hortalizas/batata.htm.

Determining the optimal harvest time is crucial to ensure tuber quality and durability. Generally, sweet potatoes are ready for harvest between 90 and 150 days after planting, depending on the variety and climatic conditions. Indicators include foliage yellowing and the development of adequate tuber size. Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid mechanical damage, which can be entry points for pathogens.

Optimizing Harvest and Advancements in Sweet Potato Sustainability

Following harvest, a curing process is essential. This involves maintaining tubers at high temperatures (29-32 °C) and high humidity (85-90%) for 4 to 7 days. Curing promotes wound healing and the formation of a protective periderm layer, significantly improving resistance to deterioration during storage and extending shelf life. A practical approach for small gardens can be found at La Huertina de Toni: https://lahuertinadetoni.es/como-plantar-boniato-o-batata/.

In the realm of innovation, research focuses on developing new sweet potato varieties with greater resistance to diseases, drought, and saline soils, crucial for climate change adaptation. Examples include biofortified varieties with high levels of Vitamin A, addressing nutritional challenges in vulnerable communities. Precision agriculture is emerging as a tool for sweet potato cultivation, utilizing sensors and drones to monitor plant health, soil moisture, and nutrient application efficiently. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are increasingly integrated into permaculture and regenerative agriculture systems, valuing their role in soil cover, weed suppression, and enhancement of microbial biodiversity. These trends aim not only to increase productivity but also to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems against current environmental challenges.

Sweet potato cultivation offers a significant opportunity for producing nutritious and adaptable food. From meticulous soil preparation and selection of quality slips, through agronomic management that balances nutrition and phytosanitary control, to implementing appropriate harvesting and curing techniques, each stage influences the final success. The incorporation of innovations, such as the development of resistant varieties and precision agriculture practices, positions the sweet potato as a strategic crop for food sustainability. Adopting these practices and staying abreast of technological advancements will enable growers to optimize their yields and contribute to more robust and resilient food systems.