ABSTRACT
Sweet potatoes may be produced in a wide range of soil types although it is generally agreed that root shape and appearance are best when produced in light, sandy, or sandy loam soils. The soil should be friable enough to permit unimpeded root enlargement and have sufficient aeration porosity to provide oxygen to developing roots. With the exception of potassium and phosphorus, a greater proportion of the total elemental content of all elements was found in the vines than in the storage roots. If the vines are not removed from the field, these nutrients are returned to the soil. Thus, while sweet potatoes do have fairly high nutritional requirements for the production of a good crop, the soils are not rapidly depleted unless the vines are also removed. In areas where sweet potato production cannot be carried on continuously, storage roots from the previous crop are bedded and the sprouts that develop on the roots are used in propagating materials.
