International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 405-413 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 408 4.2 Soil and water conservation strategies in yam farming Soil and water conservation are critical for sustainable yam farming, especially in the face of climate change. A transdisciplinary approach involving the development and implementation of soil and plant management technologies has shown promise in enhancing yam productivity while minimizing environmental degradation (Kiba et al., 2020). In West Africa, yam-based rotations and fertilization regimes have been identified as effective strategies to stabilize yam production and improve water yam productivity. These practices include the use of mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as rotations with cereals and legumes (Pouya et al., 2022). Furthermore, the systematic review of climate change impacts on crops in West Africa highlights the potential of increased fertilizer use and optimized planting dates to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on crop yields (Carr et al., 2022). 4.3 Water management and precision irrigation techniques for yam growth Effective water management and precision irrigation techniques are essential for optimizing yam growth and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Innovative irrigation management systems, such as precision irrigation and evaporative cooling, have been shown to improve crop physiological status, increase yield, and save water (Deligios et al., 2019). In the context of yam cultivation, coupling irrigation with late-maturing cultivars and fertilizer application has been identified as a highly effective strategy to enhance productivity. Additionally, the management of irrigation water and planting dates has been found to be beneficial for adapting maize to climate change, suggesting similar potential benefits for yam cultivation. The use of precision irrigation techniques can optimize water use efficiency and support the sustainable development of yam farming in regions facing water scarcity and climate variability. 5 Technological Innovations in Yam Production 5.1 Application of precision agriculture in yam production Precision agriculture (PA) has emerged as a transformative approach in yam production, leveraging advanced technologies to optimize resource use and enhance crop yields. PA utilizes sensors, IoT, and machine learning to monitor soil conditions, crop health, and environmental factors, enabling precise interventions that improve productivity and sustainability (Cisternas et al., 2020; Sharma et al., 2021). Remote sensors and wireless sensor networks (WSN) are particularly effective in gathering real-time data on soil moisture, organic carbon, and crop health, which can be used to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. The integration of high-resolution imagery from satellites or drones further aids in monitoring crop conditions and predicting yields, thus reducing human labor and increasing efficiency (Shafi et al., 2019) (Figure 2). Figure 2 The application of precision agriculture in Chinese yam production (Adopted from Sharma et al., 2021)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==