Mechanization by Hand Tractor for Research in 30 Genotypes of Sweet Potato Originating from Indonesia (Lampung, Bogor) and Japan

Abstract

The farmer used to plow by cow and hoe to cultivate paddy and continued by sweet potato after harvesting paddy without land preparation (Zero tillage), and also the seed quality of sweet potato was not best. The most suitable clones of sweet potato in Lampung, Indonesia were not found yet. This research onsweet potato cultivation was carried out using a hand tractor in land preparation for 30 genotypes of sweet potato that originated from Central Lampung, Japan, and Bogor, Indonesia. The method used was a randomized block design with two repetitions. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating that the use of hand tractors for land preparation in experimental fields is not only effective but also expedient compared to the use of a man-hoe as a power source, particularly for sweet potato cultivation. The mean tuberous production among the 30 clones examined was 21,978 kg/ha. L-11-2 exhibited the highest value of 32,947 kg/ha, whereas Naeshirazu recorded the lowest at 11,378 kg/ha. Genjah Sawo achieved the highest starch yield of 6,191 kg/ha, while TK achieved 6,307 kg/ha. BIS 39-15 recorded the lowest starch yield of 1,097 kg/ha. A hand tractor facilitates a more consistent distribution of fertilizer, potentially leading to greater harvests of sweet potatoes compared to the use of a hoe. In conjunction with TK, the elevated starch concentration found in Japanese sweet potatoes made them suitable for application in the starch sector and alcohol manufacturing facilities. Weevil infestation results in the destruction of sweet potato harvests.