CASSAVA FARMING PROCESS — Tips for High Yield
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub grown mainly for its starchy tuberous root. The perennial plant is native to South America, and it belongs to the spurge family — Euphorbiaceae. Other names of cassava are; mandioca, manioc, and yuca. It has also been referred to as “the war, drought and famine crop because of its ability to grow in challenging conditions, like dry soils, low fertility, extended storage life, and the ability to reach maturity at the point of need — mainly during the end of a growing season.
Cassava is propagated by stem cuttings (i.e. planting pieces of the stem). However, before you grow, it is vital to choose healthy stem cuttings that are up to 2–4cm thick. During the wet season, push the lower part of the stem to an already prepared soil, preferably ridges or mounds.
Growing cassava for tremendous yield involves simple farm operations, which include:
Land Preparation for Planting Cassava:
Cassava can be grown on various soils; however, the best soils are sandy, clay and loam soils that are well-drained. Ploughing and harrowing are essential operations to achieve loose soil. Employ irrigation methods in areas with low moisture.
Also, the site should allow enough sunlight to the soil — this obstructs weed growth that may otherwise compete with the development of the cassava plant.
After bush burning, restore the nutrients with manure; the process will make up for the lost valuable nutrient and reduce potassium salt accumulated in the soil burning.
Carefully Select the Best Cassava Variety:
Plant varieties with resistance and tolerance to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions are the best. To get a good harvest, you would need to select the best cassava variety to plant. There are over 40 varieties of cassava with the difference in their tuber yields, ability to withstand pests and diseases.
When selecting the best variety to plant, it is essential to take note of the following:
- Rapid growth
- Pest and disease resistance
- Longer shelf life
- High starchy content
- Increased yield
Weeding the Cassava Farm
Ensure to plant cassava cuttings early enough before weeds start emerging. Cassava requires approximately three months of weed-free soil condition for optimum yield.
Use suitable environmental friendly herbicide to control weeds for the first three months. Contact or pre-emergent herbicides are appropriate options. Only apply post-emergence herbicides when weeds begin to emerge after the pre-emergence herbicide treatment.
Traditional methods like hoes or adapted cutlasses can also be employed 3 (three) or more times, depending on the type of weed.
Cassava Fertilizer Application
After repeated cassava farming on farmland, it is essential to allow the farm to recuperate through the fallow system. Also, apply suitable organic or inorganic fertilisers to make up for the lost soil nutrients. Soil testing is an essential process before fertiliser application — this is to know the exact amount of lost and already existing nutrients.
Harvesting the Cassava Tubers
Cassava reaches maturity in 8–18 months after planting. However, cassava harvest depends on factors such as the environment and the agricultural practices adopted.
Traditionally, cassava is harvested by pulling the lower part of the stem and the roots. The upper part of the stem and the leaves are usually removed before harvest and later incorporated into the soil for organic fertilisation.
Contact us at www.farmsby.com to shop healthy cassava varieties. We also provide consultations to new and existing producers on how to optimise your production fully.
