Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas
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Description
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a perennial, warm-season crop known for its large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots. In agroecology, it serves as an excellent ground cover in the herbaceous layer, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing soil health through organic matter addition. Sweet potatoes are particularly valued in tropical and subtropical food forests for their resilience and minimal input requirements. They are traditionally grown in mounds or ridges to improve drainage and root development. Historically, sweet potatoes have been a staple in many indigenous diets, providing essential nutrients and calories. In guild design, they pair well with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon peas and can be interplanted with corn and beans in a 'Three Sisters' style polyculture. Sweet potatoes also contribute to soil carbon sequestration and are effective in water retention strategies due to their extensive root systems.
Growing Details
Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. Prepare the soil by incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance fertility and structure. Plant slips after the last frost date when the soil temperature is consistently above 18ยฐC. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 1 meter apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good draina
Tags
Carbon Farming
Erosion Preventing
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ipomoea batatas</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Tropical and subtropical regions
applicable geo region: Central and South America
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of Jun for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of October for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
beginning
of March
Transplant:
beginning
of May
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The tubers of the sweet potato are highly nutritious and can be consumed in various forms, such as boiled, baked, fried, or mashed. They are rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. The young leaves and shoots are also edible and can be cooked as greens, offering a good source of vitamins and minerals. Tubers are typically harvested in the fall and can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. It is important to cure the tubers for about 10 d
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Sweet potatoes have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to regulate blood sugar levels. The high fiber content aids in digestive health, and the antioxidants may support immune function. However, individuals with diabetes or those on a low-carb diet should monitor their intake due to the high carbohydrate content. The leaves, when consumed, can also provide a mild laxative effect.
health concerns:
other uses: The vines can be used as animal fodder or mulch, providing additional organic matter to the soil. They can also be used in composting to enhance nutrient cycling.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Ipomoea batatas
common names: Sweet Potato; Kumara; Batata
family: Convolvulaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Ipomoea
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(9/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 5 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. Prepare the soil by incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance fertility and structure. Plant slips after the last frost date when the soil temperature is consistently above 18ยฐC. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 1 meter apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good draina
Potential Disturbances: Common challenges include sweet potato weevils, wireworms, and aphids. Use natural management strategies such as interplanting with marigolds to repel nematodes, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Neem oil can be applied as an organic spray.
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