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Abstract. Even though cassava is a
durable crop, it has certain husbandry requirements and is responsive
to favorable crop management practices. Healthy, fresh stem cuttings
from mature cassava plants are the best planting materials. Depending
on moisture conditions of the soil, farmers plant cassava cuttings
vertically, at an angle, or horizontally. Slow initial development
of sprouts makes cassava susceptible to weed competition in the
first 3-4 months. Therefore, weed control involves cultural,
biological, chemical and integrated control. For good growth
and yield, cassava requires friable, light textured and well
drained soils containing sufficient moisture and a balanced amount
of nutrients. Farmers usually intercrop cassava with maize, melon,
and other crops. Farmers can harvest cassava from 7 months after
planting, however, most cassava varieties attain optimum weight
and starch content 18 months after planting. Improved varieties
selected for early bulking may be harvested after 6 months and
attain maximum yield at 9-12 months. |