Long-term effects of mulch, fertilization and tillage on cassava grown in sandy soils in northern Colombia

Abstract

Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is often cultivated in sandy soils that are very low in nutrients and organic matter. Under such conditions, yields often decline when the crop is grown successively without fertilizer application. An 8-year on-farm trial was conducted on sandy soils in northern Colombia to study effects of (1) surface mulching with residues of the grass Panicum maximum, (2) moderate applications of N, P and K fertilizer and (3) tillage on crop productivity, root quality and soil properties. Mulch applications significantly increased root and top biomass, increased root dry matter content while reducing its yearly variation, and decreased root HCN, particularly in the absence of fertilizer. Mulch applications also significantly reduced soil temperatures within the top 20 cm and increased soil organic carbon, K, P, Ca and Mg. Without mulch, soil pH decreased over the years. Annual applications of 21 kg ha −1 P resulted in a build-up of soil P, whereas no build-up of soil K was observed with applications of 41 kg K ha −1. The application of N, P and K fertilizer significantly increased root and top biomass and reduced root HCN, especially if no mulch was applied. Where both mulch and fertilizer applications were absent, root yield and top biomass declined over the years. Tillage, except when combined with fertilizer application, had no effect on root yield, top biomass, root dry matter or HCN contents. Neither were effects of tillage observed in any of the studied soil parameters. The trial indicated that, to sustain cassava productivity in poor sandy soils, applications of plant mulch and/or chemical fertilizer are highly desirable.