Problems to be noticed in sweet potato harvest
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Sweet potatoes are vegetatively propagated plants, meaning they don't have a clear maturity stage or specific harvesting time. However, the timing of harvest greatly affects yield, storage, processing, and crop rotation. Harvesting too early can significantly reduce the yield, while harvesting too late may lead to cold damage due to low temperatures, making them less suitable for storage and reducing their quality after cutting.
Therefore, it's essential to harvest sweet potatoes at the right time. The decision should be based on local weather conditions, the need for storage, and the planting schedule of other crops. When the soil temperature drops to around 18°C, sweet potato growth slows down, and at 15°C, it stops entirely. If the temperature remains below 9°C for too long, the tubers can suffer from cold injury. As a result, farmers typically start harvesting when the soil temperature is about 18°C and before the first frost. For example, spring sweet potatoes used for propagation or for winter wheat are usually harvested before the Cold Dew season. Summer sweet potatoes intended for planting are often harvested before the first frost, while those meant for consumption are left a bit longer but still must be harvested before the cold sets in.
Soil conditions also play a crucial role in the harvest. Dry soil can cause rapid temperature fluctuations, increasing the risk of cold damage and making it harder to dig up the tubers. On the other hand, overly wet soil makes harvesting difficult and increases the risk of waterlogging, which can affect the quality of the stored sweet potatoes. In such cases, it's advisable to cut the vines and let the roots dry for a few days before digging.
For summer sweet potatoes used as seed stock, it's best to harvest them in the morning when the sun is out, allow them to dry in the field, and then store them in a pit by the afternoon. Leaving them in the ground overnight can increase the risk of cold damage.
After harvesting, it's important to sort the sweet potatoes in the field, removing any damaged, rotten, or waterlogged pieces. They should be stored according to their intended use and variety. From the moment of harvest to storage, handling should be gentle—minimizing turning and careful transport to avoid bruising the tubers. This helps maintain quality and ensures better storage performance.