How the right planting season can boost cassava yields (2024)

FAQs

How do you increase the yield of cassava? ›

To ensure high yields, the stakes' mother plants should have been adequately fertilized. Cassava plants grown in soil with low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium produce stakes that are also low in those nutrients, and are also low in starch, reducing sugars and total sugars.

Planting treated stems

Cassava stems should be planted early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation and evapotranspiration. Spacing is very important; the space between a plant and the other is the feeding area of the plants; cassava plant requires a spacing of 1m by 1m to ensure good yield.

Harvesting of cassava can be done throughout the year when the roots reach maturity. In regions with seasonal rains, harvesting is usually done in the dry season, during the dormant period of the plant; where rain prevails all year round, cassava is harvested throughout the year.

Planting: The recommended planting season is around April and extends to September/October. Plant cassava stems on ridges of an average of 40cm in width and 40-60 cm in height of one row, such aids plant care.

Cassava requires different nutrients to grow. The 3 most important nutrients are: Some fertilizers supply all 3 of these nutrients (e.g. NPK 15:15:15, NPK 17:17:17 or NPK 20:10:10) while other fertilizers only supply 1 or 2 of these nutrients (e.g. urea 46:0:0, DAP 18:46:0 and MOP 0:0:60).

The plant prefers well-drained soil and modest rainfall, but it can survive where soils are wet. Cassava roots do not tolerate freezing temperatures and the best growth is in full sun. Growing cassava yuca from start to harvest can take up to 18 months.

The abiotic factors are sunlight, rainfall, soil, fertilization temperature. Sunlight, while the biotic factors are only plant pests. Rats are the main factor in decreasing the productivity of cassava plants.

Water the plants: Cassava needs to be watered regularly, especially during the first few months of growth. Once the plants are established, they can become more drought tolerant.

Avoid roots with cracks, mold, soft spots, or sour smell. The flesh will have black specks, lines, or discoloration. If you do buy cassava with some black streaks hiding within the flesh, you can cut them out and use what remains.

The primary driver of cassava's short shelf life is the physiology of the root itself. If left unprocessed, cassava spoils in 24-72 hours after harvest due to a process referred to as post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD)1.

What type of soil is best for cassava? ›

Soil type: Cassava can be grown on most soils, however the best soils are sandy clay loams that are well drained without a fluctuating water table.

Depending on the variety and its intended use, cassava is harvested between 6 and 18 months after planting. However, the harvesting period can range from 6 to 24 months. some physical signs that the crop is ready to be harvested: Yellowing and dropping of the lower leaves.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cassava is a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, which grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Cassava originated from tropical America and was first introduced into Africa in the Congo basin by the Portuguese around 1558.

Traditional stem multiplication involves harvesting mature stems from cassava plants, storing them until the beginning of the rainy season, planting ~15cm cuttings in a field, and waiting 8-12 months to harvest . This means that it takes 1 year to complete 1 multiplication cycle .

Cassava yield per hectare and acre

Under optimal conditions, the cassava yields can reach 80 tonnes per hectare (32.4 tons per acre). However, nowadays the current world average yield is around 12.8 tonnes with a goal to reach 23.3 tonnes per hectare soon (5.2 to 9.5 t/acre) [1, 2, 3, 12].