International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 405-413 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 410 7 Case Study: Successful Practices for Increasing Yam Yield 7.1 Successful case studies of yield-enhancing practices in different regions In West Africa, various agronomic practices have been tested to enhance yam yield. For instance, a study conducted across different environmental gradients in Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso found that fertilization regimes, particularly the combination of organic and mineral fertilization, positively impacted soil surface cover but had a weak impact on tuber yields. The study also highlighted the importance of rainfall and soil carbon stocks as key determinants of tuber yields (Pouya et al., 2022). In Ghana, the incorporation of pigeonpea residue into the soil significantly increased yam yields, with the highest yields observed under this treatment compared to other management practices such as continuous unfertilized rainfed yam and yam with added fertilizer (Liu et al., 2021). In Nigeria, factorial trials revealed that increasing yam plant density consistently improved tuber yields, while intercropping with maize reduced yam yields significantly. Additionally, the use of improved seed tubers in Benin led to a yield increase of 22-27% and a gain in profitability of 30~40% for different yam species. 7.2 In-depth analysis of yield improvement strategies in cases The analysis of various yield improvement strategies indicates that integrated nutrient management and proper agronomic practices are crucial for enhancing yam productivity. In Moluccas, intensive tillage combined with complete NPK fertilization resulted in the highest yield of local yam tubers, demonstrating the effectiveness of both soil preparation and balanced fertilization (Waas et al., 2020). In West Africa, a transdisciplinary approach involving the development and testing of new soil and plant management technologies in collaboration with local stakeholders led to significant increases in yam productivity. This participatory research approach ensured that the technologies were well-adapted to the local biophysical and socio-economic contexts (Kiba et al., 2020). Furthermore, staking methods and appropriate nitrogen doses were found to be essential for maximizing yam yield and quality, with single staking and a nitrogen dose of 120.70 kg/ha being recommended for optimal productivity. Staking also reduced soil loss due to crop harvesting and associated carbon loss, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. 7.3 Lessons learned and potential for broader application Several key lessons can be drawn from these case studies. First, the importance of site-specific management practices is evident, as factors such as rainfall, soil carbon stocks, and local agronomic conditions significantly influence yam yields. Integrated nutrient management, including the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, is essential for sustaining soil health and improving crop productivity. The adoption of improved seed tubers and appropriate planting techniques can lead to substantial yield and profitability gains, highlighting the need for investment in yam seed systems (Cornet et al., 2023). Participatory and transdisciplinary research approaches that involve local stakeholders are crucial for developing and promoting sustainable yam production practices (Gokul et al., 2023). These insights can be applied more broadly to enhance yam yields in other regions with similar agro-ecological conditions, thereby improving food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers. 8 Concluding Remarks This study highlights the significant impact of integrated agronomic practices on yam productivity. Key insights include the effectiveness of soil management through organic and inorganic fertilization, crop rotation with legumes, and appropriate planting density, which together improve soil health, nutrient availability, and yam yield. Additionally, adaptive climate-resilient practices, such as mulching and conservation tillage, have been shown to mitigate the adverse effects of erratic rainfall and drought on yam production, especially in climate-sensitive regions. Technological innovations, including precision agriculture and genomic research, also present new possibilities for improving yield potential and disease resistance in yams, furthering the crop’s resilience and economic value. Future research should focus on refining and optimizing the application of integrated soil management and conservation practices tailored to specific ecological zones. For instance, studies on crop rotations that incorporate various legumes may uncover optimal combinations for soil fertility and yam yield sustainability across different
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