Abstract
A study was conducted at Kyambogo University Farm in randomized complete block design with three replications to assess the effect of NPK (17:17:17) fertilizer on the growth and tuber yields of two newly developed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties, NAROCASS 1 and NASE 14. Cassava varieties were assigned to the main plots, while fertilizer rates (zero/control, 200, 400, 600 kg/ha) were sub-plots. Fertilizer was applied in two splits, at planting and four months after planting. Fertilizer application significantly (P<0.05) increased the cassava stem heights to first branching and at harvest, and the number of stems per plant when compared with the control treatments. Mean stem heights to first branching and at harvest of plants that received NPK were higher than those of the respective control treatments by 62.8 and 70.5% for NAROCASS 1, and 57.0 and 76.5% for NASE 14, respectively. Fertilizer rate of 400 kg/ha significantly increased the lengths, numbers of tubers and tuber yields per plant when compared with the control treatments. Mean lengths, numbers of tubers and tuber yields of plants that received NPK were higher than those of respective control treatments by 48.2, 36.9 and 68.3% for NAROCASS 1, and 39.9, 50.5 and 67.6% for NASE 14, respectively. Therefore, to achieve optimum tuber yields of newly developed cassava varieties, farmers should integrate NPK fertilizer application into already existing management practices, particularly the use of high quality planting materials and integrated pest, disease and weed management. However, government ministries concerned should ensure that inorganic fertilizers are readily accessible and affordable to farmers.
Highlights
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a perennial crop that is mainly grown for its tuberous roots which provide carbohydrates to humans and livestock, as well as income and for industrial uses (Marx, 2019; Anyanwu, Ibeto, Ezeoha, & Ogbuagu, 2015; Hauser, Wairegi, Asadu, Asawalam, Jokthan, & Ugbe, 2014)
Cassava cuttings of NASE 14 and NAROCASS 1 varieties for planting were obtained from the National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge, and they were 13 months old
The application of NPK fertilizer resulted in significant (P
Summary
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a perennial crop that is mainly grown for its tuberous roots which provide carbohydrates to humans and livestock, as well as income and for industrial uses (Marx, 2019; Anyanwu, Ibeto, Ezeoha, & Ogbuagu, 2015; Hauser, Wairegi, Asadu, Asawalam, Jokthan, & Ugbe, 2014) It is one of the most important food crops for many people in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, especially Africa where it serves as an important source of dietary energy (FAOSTAT, 2019; Cock, 2011). Cassava grows well in over 80% of the arable land in Uganda, and the production volumes per region in the 2008/2009 fiscal year were 37% for eastern, 34% for northern, 15% for western and 14% for central (Buyinza & Kitinoja, 2018) It is one of the most important staple foods for very many households. It is consumed by about 90% of the people in different forms, and is mainly consumed either boiled, fried, or roasted when fresh, and in form of a paste obtained after mingling cassava flour either alone or mixed with millet (Buyinza & Kitinoja, 2018)
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