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Field experiments were conducted in Alfisols to study the effect of integrated use of lime, inorganic, and organic manures on soil health and sweet potato performance. Integrated use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and farmyard manure recorded a significantly higher tuber yield (18.7 Mg ha−1) followed by lime + farmyard manure + neem cake + green manure (17.7 Mg ha−1). Incorporation of organics and 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium showed a yield response of 23%, 2%, and 10% in respect of farmyard manure, neem cake, and green manure over nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A yield response of 12%, 10%, and 13% was observed due to incorporation of lime along with ½ nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and organics (farmyard manure, neem cake, and green manure) over that of unlimed plots. Conjunctive use of organic manures along with balanced fertilizers and lime not only produces higher crop yields but also enhanced the efficiency of added nutrients and sustains the soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Splitting of sweet potato tubers because of boron (B) deficiency is a major cause of reduction in marketable tuber yield in India. Soil and plant tests are employed in this study to determine the fertilizer B requirement (FBR). Fertilizer B requirement of sweet potatos grown on an Alfisols under rainfed conditions was evaluated by two simple methods. In the first method, the relationship between B uptake and sweet potato tuber yield was utilized to find the B uptake at a given sweet potato tuber yield. This relationship was then used to find the amount of B applied for that particular uptake to set the targeted yield. In the second method, FBR was determined using the equation: FBR=(UB-U0)/BRF, where UB is B uptake at a given yield, U0 is B uptake from unfertilized soil, and BRF is the recovery of applied B. All of these parameters were determined in a field experiment with sweet potatos grown on Alfisols under rainfed conditions. The results of the study indicated a very good relation between observed value of FBR and predicted values determined by both the methodologies. Results of the study suggest that the simple models developed based on B uptake can be utilized for determining the B requirements of sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]