Living Roots Crop Protocol

What kind of plant is sweet potato?

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a herbaceous perennial vine in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is primarily grown as an annual crop for its storage roots, which serve as a rich source of starch. Sweet potato is a dicot, and its vines and leaves are also edible and used in some culinary traditions.

What does the sweet potato tuber categorize as?

The sweet potato tuber is categorized as a modified root specifically developed for storage. Unlike true tubers (such as potatoes, which are modified stems), sweet potatoes form storage roots to accumulate carbohydrates and nutrients, which the plant uses for energy during unfavorable growing conditions.

Is the tuber vegetative growth or reproductive growth?

The tuber of a sweet potato is part of the vegetative growth phase. It acts as a storage organ for nutrients, supporting the plant's vegetative growth cycle. Tubers are not involved in reproduction and are distinct from the flowering or seed-producing phases of the plant. This means tuber development is maximized through vegetative growth-focused nutrient inputs, not flowering or fruiting inputs.

Summary Table of Stages and Timeline:

Stage	Duration (DAP)	Focus
1. Sprouting/Rooting	0–30	Root establishment, vine growth initiation.
2. Vine Growth	30–60	Expansion of leaves and vines.
3. Storage Root Initiation	60–90	Formation of storage roots begins.
4. Tuber Development	90–120+	Swelling of storage roots and nutrient accumulation.

Overview Nutrients needed by Sweet Potato — focus on vegetative and tuber growth

Stage 1: Emphasize balanced nutrients to improve soil health and support root establishment. Inputs should include carbohydrates, calcium, humic substances, phosphorus, seaweed, and microbial inoculants.
Stage 2-4: Focus on boosting photosynthesis, nitrogen (moderately), potassium, calcium, and ongoing microbial inputs. Carbohydrates can help sustain microbial activity for better soil-plant nutrient cycling.

Critical Points of Influence for Sweet Potato:

Root Establishment: Early-stage nutrient application is crucial for forming a strong root system to support vine growth and subsequent tuber development.
Vine Growth and Canopy Development: Proper leaf and vine growth during this stage supports photosynthesis, influencing the plant's ability to produce carbohydrates for storage root formation.
Storage Root Formation: This stage is critical for initiating tuber development. Nutrient management directly impacts the number and quality of storage roots formed.
Tuber Swelling and Maturation: Maximizing nutrient uptake supports tuber enlargement and final yield quality.

Stages we want to influence:

   1                                                        2                                  3                            4

Root Establishment