Being a nutritious crop rich in carbohydrates, cassava production requires to consider weather effects hence a need to plant when there is enough moisture content for crop establishment. The rain amounts received on crop depend on planting date.
Secondly, consider the harvesting period and prices in market when planting. Cassava has 2 growth stages with the first one lasting for 8-12 weeks after planting. In this, plants establish roots and stems sprout and leaves and at the end of the stage it starts bulking hence the start of forming future storage roots which swell to accumulate enough starch and in 6 months after planting, starch accumulation reaches maximum.
Cassava management
To continue with, as cassava grows best in humid climates, planting is determined by rainfall amounts in first stage however late planting requires deep-loamy soils with alot of moisture while harvesting is depends on weather during last 3 months.
Only harvest during drought or immediately when rain has resumed or when rain has persisted for a few months. Planting and harvesting time impacts crop management practices. Farmers have more time for clearing land during dry period while for herbicides, it is used during rainy season when vegetation is green.
Land tillage is done at the resumption of rains to destroy weeds and early planting is done however it leads to higher weeding requirements. Fertilizer application should be done in the first 3-4 months after planting however, the yield amounts determine the response of crop to fertilizer.
Management considerations
To continue with, farmer should consider brown streak disease as late planting and harvesting cause high crop infestation and high root damage as well.
There is also a need to plant healthy cuttings and regular roguing of the field. Finally harvesting should be done at peak of rain season.
