Cassava / Manioc Plantation 2

Cassava Field

How cassava is planted

The cassava is mainly planted by planting stems. The stem of the mature cassava plant is cut and plant on the loosen soil. These stems grows and forms other cassava plants. There are few precautions one must follow in order to successfully transplant the cassava. Farmers must ensure that they doesn’t plant an immature stem. This may result unsuccessful plantation when planted. 

Three mostly common types of plantation

In most of the places, farmers have three common ways of cassava plantation. 

1. Upright stem positioning. This method is preferably for growing cassava in the monsoon season.
2. Straight line stem positioning. It maintains watery content on the field, preferably in summer.
3. Sloppy stem positioning. Preferably in between summer and monsoon.

Cassava is cultivated throughout the year and if the farmer supply enough water during the first half of the year, it can survive the next half.

Essential minerals for cassava growth

In order to healthy grow, fertilizer is also one of the major contributor. The common types of fertilizer used are the D compound (nitrogenous), and urea fertilizer (potassium). alternately farmers use manure. The main component of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. Though the fertilizer is important, it has some negative effects on the land if it is over used. Therefore best way to supply the required fertilizer is to use organic or compost as it is natural product. in general 300 tons may approximately required for a hectare but it may differ on the soil condition and other various factors. Fertilization normally do twice a year near the root of the plant.

Pests and insects and diseases

Cassava plantation also has to fight with different pests and insects which may affect its productivity even causing its death. Some common pests and insects are;

• Locusts
• Beetles
• Aphids
• Rot ants
• Termites

These pests and insects can diverse diseases on the crop such as root rot, mosaic disease, anthracnose and, bacterial blight, linear decay and many others. Therefore, proper and precise treatment is best approach in combating the situation. If the necessary treatment is not taken as an emergency call the harvest can be highly affected.

Cassava / Manioc Plantation 3 .....