International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 405-413 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 405 Research Insight Open Access Integrated Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Yam Productivity Jun Chen, Wenhui Yu Quzhou Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 354226027@qq.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0040 Received: 22 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 06 Dec., 2024 Published: 22 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Yu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen J., and Yu W.H., 2024, Integrated agronomic practices for enhancing yam productivity, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 405-413 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0040) Abstract The enhancement of yam productivity is of great importance for food security, economic stability, and nutritional supply in many regions. This study focuses on integrated agronomic practices to improve yam productivity, systematically analyzing the impact of soil management, crop management, environmental adaptation, technological innovation, and socio-economic factors on yam cultivation. The research provides an overview of the economic and nutritional value of yams and highlights the demand and challenges associated with increasing productivity. In terms of soil management and fertility optimization, the study explores soil quality assessment, the efficient application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and the role of cover crops and crop rotation in promoting soil health. Crop management includes the selection of high-quality yam varieties, optimal plant density and spacing, and strategies for pest, disease, and weed management. Environmental and climate adaptation management examines climate-adaptive cultivation techniques and soil and water conservation measures. The section on technological innovation covers advances in precision agriculture, genomics, biotechnology, and the use of smart machinery. Regarding socio-economic factors, labor optimization, agricultural extension, market access, and economic incentives are discussed. Through case studies of yield-enhancement practices in different regions, this study analyzes strategies for increasing yield and extracts successful experiences and their potential for broader application. This research provides valuable recommendations for future studies and practical applications in the field, contributing to the global development of the yam industry. Keywords Yam productivity; Soil management; Crop management; Climate adaptation; Technological innovation 1 Introduction Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a staple food crop with significant economic, nutritional, and cultural importance, particularly in West Africa where it serves as a primary source of dietary carbohydrates and other nutrients for millions of people (Asfaw et al., 2019; Morse, 2021). The crop is not only crucial for food security but also provides substantial income for rural households and plays a vital role in socio-cultural practices. In addition to its food uses, some species of yam are utilized in pharmaceutical products, further enhancing its economic value. The cultivation of yam is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with West Africa accounting for over 95% of global production. Despite its importance, yam cultivation faces several challenges that hinder its productivity. One of the primary issues is the lack of good-quality planting materials, which significantly affects agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (Mignouna et al., 2020). The vegetative propagation method used for yams often leads to the carryover and multiplication of pests and diseases from season to season, impacting plant health and yield. Soil fertility management is another critical challenge, as yam traditionally requires high soil fertility, and the continuous cultivation without adequate inputs leads to soil degradation (Frossard et al., 2017; Pouya et al., 2022). Additionally, the crop is susceptible to various biotic and abiotic stresses, including fungal diseases, viruses, nematodes, and low soil fertility, which further limit its yield potential. The need for new, stress-resistant varieties and improved agronomic practices is essential to overcome these challenges and enhance yam productivity (Andualem, 2022).
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