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Growing cassava on poor soils

Source:

https://www.accessagriculture.org/growing-cassava-poor-soils

Duration:

00:17:50

Year of Production:

2016

Source/Author:

Agro-Insight, Ghent University

„Farmers in Cote d’Ivoire show how they improve their cassava production and restore soil fertility. There are five things to do: use improved varieties that are resistant to the cassava mosaic virus; apply organic matter; apply small doses of mineral fertiliser; grow a legume in between our cassava; and plant the cassava in lines, leaving sufficient space between the lines.“

Cassava easily develops when grown on poor soils. There are several ways to improve cassava productivity and restore soil fertility.

Cassava tolerates drought and contains more starch but less proteins. When harvested early, it results into low profits with low starch content.

Cassava development

Fibrous roots develop after planting for water and nutrient absorption. Leaves emerge from buds for sunlight absorption. At 2-3 weeks roots start to swell and maximum starch of the crop is achieved between 8-12 months.

Improving productivity

Grow cassava varieties that are resistant to diseases, drought and high yielding for increased output. For increased plant growth apply aged manure or compost .

Additionally apply and cover small doses of mineral fertilizers to boost soil fertility, intercrop with a legume to improve soil fertility and control weeds. Lastly modify the planting pattern for increased income and proper plant growth.

Sequence from	Sequence to	Description
00:00	02:08	Cassava tubers contain starch and are widely grown for food. It tolerates drought and yield on poor soils.
02:09	03:20	When harvested early, it will cause low profits due to low starch.
03:21	03:34	How cassava develops.
03:35	04:30	Fibrous roots develop after planting. Leaves emerge from buds.
04:31	04:38	At 2-3 months fine roots begin to swell.
04:39	04:59	Between 8-12 months cassava tubers attain maximum starch.
05:00	06:14	How to improve cassava productivity and restore soil fertility.
06:15	08:38	Plant varieties resistant to diseases, drought and high yielding.
08:39	10:59	Apply and cover aged manure or compost in line when or after planting.
11:00	11:44	Apply and cover small doses of mineral fertilizers.
11:45	13:35	Intercrop with a legume 4-6 weeks after cassava planting.
13:36	16:05	Modify the planting pattern.
16:06	17:50	Summary.

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