Abstract
To investigate the optimal cultivation conditions for cassava cultivar (TMS98/0505) in Nigeria, we employed agro-ecological zoning to delineate the cultivated lands. Using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis, we researched the influence of some meteorological and soil parameters on the clone cultivation. From the multiple-parameter climato-edaphic zoning map, an average yield of 26 t ha−1 was estimated. The dry Rainforest and southern Guinea Savanna account for 80% of the favorable zones. However, with irrigation, the cultivar would yield optimally in the northern marginal zones. Further, the significant climatic parameters are sunshine hour (t = 3.292, α = 0.0064) and rainfall (t = 2.100, α = 0.0575). Thus, the potentials of a location for cassava cultivation in Nigeria largely depend on the soil conditions, sunshine hour, and rainfall. Generally, the cassava yield correlates strongly (+0.88) with the suitability map. Considering future climate variability based on the annual rainfall data, we projected an average annual rainfall range of 565–3,193 mm between 2070 and 2099. Likewise, the projected range of daily temperature for 2046–2100 is 24.57–31.94 °C. Consequently, with currently allotted farmlands, Nigeria can double her current cassava production through soil fertility enhancement and irrigation.
Highlights
Nigeria is the largest cassava producer in the world (Fig. 1)
Our results suggest that climatic conditions exert the most limiting effects on cassava production in the semi-arid region of Nigeria
We discovered that soil conditions exert more influence on cassava yield performance than climatic conditions in Nigeria
Summary
Nigeria is the largest cassava producer in the world (Fig. 1). Yet, the nation’s cassava cultivation is constrained by diseases, pests, weeds, soil fertility, agronomic factors, and socio-economic factors, which have resulted in the low cassava production[2]. Due to prevailing subsistence agricultural practices solely driven by indigenous knowledge and nature (i.e., lack of irrigation during the dry season) in Africa, crop production in Nigeria is mainly determined by the climatic conditions[14,15]. It was first reported in 2009 that African farmers will benefit from climate change by 210016. The latter study[39] delineated Nigeria into five zones ranging from unsuitable (in the arid zone) to highly suitable (in the montane region). Aside from the crop-specific A-C zoning, attempts had been made to delineate Nigeria into various A-C zones for staple crop production[14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
