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Vegetables

Yam

Dioscorea spp.

Yams are tuberous root vegetables belonging to the genus Dioscorea. They are characterized by their starchy, edible tubers, which can vary in size, shape, and color depending on the species. Yams are an important staple food in many tropical regions and are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are used in various culinary applications, including boiling, frying, and baking.

Calculate System for Yam
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Yams require careful handling during harvest to prevent bruising. Different varieties exist, including white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) and water yam (Dioscorea alata), each with unique characteristics.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter; consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Yams prefer a humid climate with consistent rainfall. Protect young plants from frost and extreme heat by using shade cloth if necessary.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Yam Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Yam field.

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Related Guides

Yam: A Guide to Growing and Irrigating Economically

Yam is a versatile and nutritious crop that has been cultivated for centuries in various parts of the world. It is a tuberous root vegetable that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. Yam is not only a staple food in many countries but also a valuable cash crop. In this article, we will explore how to grow yam and how…

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