Good land or soil preparation involves removal or incorporation of crop debris and any vegetation that may compete with the sweet potato crop, and deep manual or mechanical cultivation.
Soil should be cultivated when damp but not too wet. Cultivation of dry or very wet soil can break up the soil structure, leading to poor drainage and aeration, surface crusting, cracking allowing entry of weevils, and greater susceptibility to erosion.
After cultivation, the land is usually formed into ridges. Mounds are preferred by farmers working entirely with hand tools. In some areas, broad raised beds are used. On deep, well-drained soil, planting may be done on flat fields. Ridges are typically about 30-45 cm high, but may be higher in wet areas to maximize soil drainage.
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