Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilization for Production of White and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Southeast Nigeria

Two field experiments were used in 2005-2006 to study the effects of nitrogen (N) on light interception, weed biomass, and yield of white and orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties in southeastern Nigeria. Treatments comprised four N levels (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) and four varieties of sweet potato (White-fleshed TIS 87/0087 and TIS 8164, orange-fleshed Ex-Igbariam and CIP Tanzania), arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1 increased light interception, leaf area index and shoot dry matter. Regardless of rate, N application reduced weed growth at 12 weeks after planting. On average, the storage root yield increased with N application up to 80 kg N ha-1 when the background soil N was 0.056% in 2005, but not beyond the rate of 40 kg N ha-1 when the background N was 0.104% in 2006. The white-fleshed TIS 87/0087 followed by orange-fleshed Ex-Igbariam out-yielded other varieties and intercepted over 70% of the incident radiation.