Root crops are hard to store especially in very dry areas. However when using the tripple S method good quality cutting for planting can be obtained to increase yield and provide an early harvest.
Additionally it is recommended that harvesting should be done when the soil is fully dry without damaging the roots. Furthermore for each month remove roots from container and replace them with healthy roots until 6-8 weeks. During the last inspection do not remove the sprouts and prepare 3cm by 5cm seed bed for sprouted vines.
Steps followed
First I month before harvesting mark 25 healthy sweet potato vines by inserting a stick these act as source of quality vines for the next season.
Additionally, 3-5 days before harvest check selected plants for stunted plants and weevil attack.
Also 3-4 days before harvesting cut the vines from healthy stacked plants to harden the skin of roots for better storage.
Using hands only remove dirt from the roots, do not wash them and shortly place them under shade.
Furthermore, align storage container with newspapers, add 2-3 cm layer of dry sand and place a single layer of sweet potatoes.
Lay other layers of sweet potato and sand until the container is full with the last sand layer 10cm deep to keep rodents, chickens and insects away.
Lastly store container in a cool dry place and check roots once per month by removing each root from container for inspection.
