Varietal trial of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) for Conservation Agriculture Production Systems (CAPS)

Abstract

Conservation Agriculture aims to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture and subsequently aimed at improved livelihoods of farmers through the application of three CA principles:minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop rotations. One of the annual crops being integrated by farmers is sweet potatothis can grow well in many farming conditions and can be maintained in the ground and harvested as needed for marked or home consumption. Identification of of suitable high yielding sweet potato varieties is necessary when it is included in conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS). In the context of CAPS, total above ground biomass and root yield are the important parameters in selecting appropriate variety. Thus we are evaluating varieties with these characteristics that can be used as potential inclusion in CAPS.