Cassava Cultivation Research Articles

Assessment of lands for cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i> Crantz; Euphorbiaceae, Magnoliopsida) cultivation using the AHP-GISRemote Sensing technique

The objective of present study was to assess the physical land capacity for an annual cassava crop, aiming to understanding spatial parameters and environment parameters required for locating potential areas of cassava cultivation. According to FAO guidelines, a spatial model was built to assess the potential land for facilitating sustainable cassava production through the integration of the AHP-GIS-Remote Sensing method. The present study showed that the land analysis indicatedthat the high potential land was 6101.1 ha (8% total area), concentrated in the middle and eastern part of the study area. These areas face limitations for the cultivation of cassava due to climatic conditions of the minimum temperature of the coldest month (P3 < 14°C), average annual sunny hours (P5 < 1500 h) and potential factors for providing quality products (LULC, annual precipitation and soil pH are the most significant factors). The areas of cassava crop cultivation were simultaneously reduced. Still, the reason for that has been not dependent on the physical environmental conditions, the limiting factors from the domestic market, backward processing technology, and the purchase price of raw cassava may possibly play a prominent role in the local farms.

PRODUÇÃO DE FARINHA DE MANDIOCA TIPO MILITO NA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA BRASILEIRA - UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Objective: Identifying and describing the production stages of "milito" flour is important for standardizing the production process, preserving the product's identity, and promoting its commercialization and consumption through public policies. The objective of this study is to consolidate previous research and identify strategies to improve the quality and economic viability of "milito" flour production. Theoretical framework: "Milito" flour is a unique product highly valued by consumers in Acre and is expanding to other Brazilian states. Although produced traditionally, the manufacturing process is not well characterized or documented, which may result in variations in quality among different producers and, consequently, loss of product identity. Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify the state-of-the-art research on "milito" flour in the Amazon region. The review was carried out by searching for scientific papers, regardless of the year, in three databases. Results and conclusion: Only two studies containing any mention of "milito" flour were selected. The findings highlight the importance of identifying production sites and characterizing the manufacturing process of "milito" flour. The creation of a geographical indication (GI) for this product could increase its recognition throughout the country and encourage socio-economic and cultural development in the region. Research implications: The creation of a GI could stimulate the implementation of public policies that support cassava cultivation and "milito" flour production, as well as other by-products that have not yet been commercially exploited. Originality/value: This study fills a research gap by providing valuable information on "milito" production and can serve as a model for other regions interested in developing similar products. Promoting sustainable agriculture and generating income for local communities, especially small farmers, are important objectives of this study.

Performance of environmentally sound cassava farming as an effort to increase income after covid 19 in the Bengawan Solo Wonogiri Watershed

The limited sources of income in the Wonogiri Regency will impact the tendency of repressive community actions towards empowering surrounding resources, including cassava farmers. After Covid 19, the cassava economy was used as leverage for changes in the rural economy. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the influence of environmental management on the inputs and outputs of cassava farming, (2) to diagnose fluctuations in the vulnerability of cassava farming, and (3) to analyze cassava problems in production and farming sub-systems. The research locations were in 2 subwatershed of Bengawan Solo areas, namely the Keduang Sub-Watershed (Ngadirojo District and Jatiroto District) and the Wiroko Sub-Watershed (Tirtomoyo District), with 120 respondents. The analysis used is the input-output analysis of farming, descriptive analysis, and t-test analysis. The results showed a difference between an environmentally sound cassava farming business and one that does not, with an error rate of 1% and a coefficient of 1,802% in terms of income (output) and cost (input). The vulnerability occurs when cassava cultivation is processed on a sharp slope of the soil, making it highly costly. The performance of environmentally sound cassava farming positively impacts production and income, but there are limited funds and technology.

Molecular evidence for new foodways in the early colonial Caribbean: organic residue analysis at Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico

Ceramic objects account for over 90% of the cultural material recovered from archaeological sites in the Caribbean. However, little research has been conducted on molecular evidence for past food production from these same vessels. Forty ceramic sherds from Isla de Mona have been analysed by GC–MS and GC-C-IRMS in order to address questions surrounding foodways in the Greater Antilles prior to and post European arrival. We evaluate evidence for dietary changes to illuminate aspects of cultural exchange between Indigenous populations and the first generations of Spanish colonists. Here, we show that plant residues are found in a variety of pottery forms, with some evidence for non-ruminant and ruminant fats. The dearth of marine biomarkers is curious given the volume of fish bones found in archaeological contexts on Isla de Mona and may offer evidence for spit-roasting, pit-roasting, or the use of a ‘barbacoa’ to cook fish on the island. The ubiquity of plant residues in a variety of pottery forms may relate to the large-scale cultivation and export of cassava (Manihot esculenta) from the island. A Spanish olive jar revealed evidence of wine residues, which may constitute the earliest detection of wine residues in pottery found in the Americas.

Land Use Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Index and Nitrogen Pools of a Tropical Coastal Plain Sands in Southern Nigeria

Land use types can of considerable interest in efforts to quantify soil organic C and nitrogen (N) cycling, both of which are important for soil stability and fertility. A study was carried out on a tropical rainforest soils in southern Nigeria to quantify soil organic carbon and nitrogen pools and other indices under forested, 5-year fallow, cocoa plantation and a 5-year continuous cassava land uses. Soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths for measurement of these indices. Results revealed that total organic carbon (TOC and total nitrogen (TN) varied significantly among the different land uses. TOC of 30.2 g kg-1 was higher (p<0.05) in forested soils at in the 0-15 cm top soil and 22.3 g kg-1 in the subsoil. Total N was statistically significant (p<0.05) at 2.61 and 2.01 in forested and 5-year fallowed soils, respectively. The carbon pool index (CPI) was significant at 1.63 in forested soils, while nitrogen pool index (NPI) 1.30 in similar soil (p<0.05) in 0-15 cm topsoil. In 15-30 cm subsoil, CPI and NPI values were in the order of forested > cocoa plantation > 5-year cassava cultivation, with the least values of 0.44 CPI and 0.35 NPI found in 5-year cassava plots. It was concluded that CPI and NPI are valuable indicators for analyzing changes in soil quality induced by maintaining a 5-year fallow. It was found that forested and 5-year fallow land uses can be used to improved C and N stock, as well as the structural and hydraulic properties of the soils.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS-JENIS UBI KAYU (Manihot esculenta) DI KECAMATAN TOMIA TIMUR KABUPATEN WAKATOBI

This study aims to identify and describe the types of cassava in Tomia Timur District, Wakatobi Regency. The research was carried out in Tomia Timur Subdistrict, Wakatobi Regency, in December 2021 January 2022. This research is a survey research that is analyzed descriptively by statistics that is describing, describing, and describing the object being studied. The variables observed were stem color, branched and unbranched, stem height, stem diameter, distance between stem segments, leaf color, petiole color, leaf lobe length, tuber shape, wet tuber weight per tree, outer skin color of tuber, color inner skin of tubers, tuber flesh color, benefits of cassava plants, cultivation techniques, and soil conditions. The results showed that there were 10 types of cassava in Tomia Timur District, Wakatobi Regency, namely Kalambe cassava, Kalambe Fanse cassava, Ndoke cassava, Bogoro cassava, Bogoro Mohoro cassava, Makuri cassava, Andapatua cassava, Salbia cassava, cassava English wood, and Andabula cassava.

Analysis of NPK nutrient content and the nutrient balance of cassava for sustainable high productivity in Ultisols soil

The decline in soil fertility and productivity has been a problem in cassava cultivation. The plant biomass transported from cassava fields at harvest losses several nutrients. This study aimed to determine the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) nutrient content of plant parts of cassava and the nutrient balance. The cassava varieties of UK1 Agritan, Malang 4, Barokah, UJ-5, and Mangu were grown in 3 replications using a completely randomized design. Two harvesting methods, the farmer’s harvest method (FHM) and the harvest method introduced (HMI) were applied. The FHM transported all tuber and other plant parts biomass, and the HMI transported all tuber and 60% of the stem from the cassava field. Each replication was one row of plants 20 m long and a spacing of 1 m. The cassava fertilized at 169 kg N, 84 kg P, and 170 kg K per hectare in grooves around the plant. The leaves of the five varieties contain higher N, P, and K than the petiole, stem, and tuber. At harvest, the N and P nutrients were mainly transported from the leaves, and K nutrients from the tubers. For a yield of 40 tons ha-1 fresh tubers, the FMI resulted in an average nutrient balance for N (-222 kg ha-1) and K (-103 kg ha-1) and P (48 kg ha-1), the HMI resulted in an average nutrient balance of 305 kg N, 56 kg P, and 82 kg K per hectare. The HMI is recommended for sustainable soil fertility and high productivity of the cassava field

AN EMPIRICAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED AREAS OF SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE

This study examined the productivity and economic analyses of the cassava production in three communities—Nyallay, Sammamie, and Sindeh sections in Bo districts, Southern Sierra Leone. The crop is processed into garri, fufu, akara, and other foods. Cassava can also be used to make flour, pellets, and chips for animal consumption, as well as biofuel and particle boards The data was gathered using a questionnaire and interview schedule that were both well organized. Descriptive statistics, financial techniques, and a multiple regression model were all employed in the data analysis. The main data came from a sample of 300 cassava growers from three regions. The collected data were evaluated using econometric regression analysis. The findings indicated that, the net farm income was Le 214,361 and the net return on investment was almost Le 258, 375. The findings of a regression analysis showed that the number of cassava cuttings, hired labor, farm size, farming experience, and age statistically substantially influenced the output of cassava in the research region. It is indicated that the availability of improved cassava cuttings in the area and farmers’ access to subsidized inputs like fertilizer. In the study it was suggested that farmers be prodded to invest in the cultivation of cassava because of its economic worth and profitability. Cassava growers should be encouraged to obtain instruction on correct agronomic practices and input usage, and inputs should be made available and at reasonable costs, especially improved types of cassava cuttings, this will increase productivity.

Water balance and technical-financial performance of irrigation in the cassava cultivation

Water balance and technical-financial performance of irrigation in the cassava cultivation

Economics of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Cultivation under Varying Planting Densities and Pre-planting Soil Solarization Duration

The cost justification of a new cassava production technology could open the alley for quick adoption by cassava farmers and give extra motivation that will attract new farmers. Soil solarization is a promising cassava production technology that may need extra justification if a widespread adoption is to be achieved. A field trial was carried out during the 2019 and 2020 early cropping seasons to evaluate the cost implications of plant density and soil solarization durations on cassava production. The experiment was a factorial combination of three cassava densities: 17,778 plants ha-1 (0.75 m x 0.75 m), 13,333 plants ha-1 (0.75 m x 1 m) and 10,000 plants ha-1 (1 m x 1 m) and four pre-planting soil solarization durations (0, 4, 7 and 10 weeks), laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. To analyze the cost implication of the technology, the production cost, total revenue, net returns, benefit/cost ratio and percentage net returns of each treatment were computed and tabulated. Results showed that the percentage net returns increased as cassava density increased from 10,000 stands/ha to 17,778 stands/ha. Similarly, percentage net returns increased as soil solarization duration increased from 0 to 10 weeks. The lowest percentage net returns of 29.39 % was obtained in 2019 from the unsolarized plot integrated with a lower cassava density of 10,000 stands/ha, while the highest percentage net return of 72.85 % was obtained in 2019 from the plot treated with a longer soil solarization duration of 10 weeks integrated with a higher cassava density of 17,778 stands/ha and could therefore be recommended for cost effective and environmental friendly cassava production method in the tropics.

IMPLEMENTASI INOVASI TEKNOLOGI PERTANIAN DALAM MENDUKUNG PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI DAN PENGEMBANGAN TANAMAN UBIKAYU (Manihot esculenta L.) DI KOTA JAMBI

Cassava (Manihot esculenta L) is the main food besides rice and corn, has a strategic role as a food ingredient and industrial raw material as well as animal feed ingredients. The purpose of preparing this paper is to inform the implementation of agricultural technology innovations in supporting increased production and development of cassava plants in the city of Jambi. The results of the study show that Development of cassava in Jambi city has good prospects. There is support from the regional government in developing new areas that have the potential to increase production of cassava, food, feed ingredients and as an energy source. Implementation of innovations in cassava cultivation technology, inorganic and organic fertilization and grafting technology can increase cassava production.

No-tillage and previous maize–palisadegrass intercropping reduce soil and water losses without decreasing root yield and quality of cassava

No-tillage (NT) is an alternative technique adopted in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) growing areas to reduce soil loss. However, it may affect the development of storage roots depending on the soil-covering residues. This study evaluated the soil and water losses and storage root yield and quality of cassava planted in the dry and rainy seasons using conventional tillage (CT) and NT, following sole maize (Zea mays L.) cropping or maize–palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] intercropping. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replications. Four treatments were considered representing cassava planted using CT and NT following sole maize or maize–palisadegrass intercropping. CT caused soil loss of up to 43.4 Mg ha−1 over the 16 months of cassava cultivation. NT following maize–palisadegrass intercropping did not decrease cassava yield nor its quality and reduced both soil and water losses. In the rainy planting season, NT reduced soil loss by up to 80% (35 Mg ha−1), while in the dry planting season, the reduction varied between 28% and 38% (8–11 Mg ha−1). These findings suggest that previous maize–palisadegrass intercropping followed by NT of cassava is recommended for increasing soil conservation, especially in cassava planted in the rainy season.

Leptospira Infection in Rural Areas of Urabá Region, Colombia: A Prospective Study.

The objective of this study was to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of Leptospira seroprevalence and seroincidence and its associated factors in two municipalities of northwest Colombia. A prospective study was performed in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia. The study enrolled 597 people between November 2015 and January 2016, of which 274 were followed up 1 year later. Serologic testing was performed by a microscopic agglutination. The outcomes were seroprevalent and seroincident cases, and the primary exposure was an outdoor occupation. A binary and mixed-effect multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate factors associated with seroprevalent or seroincident cases of Leptospira infection. The overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 27.81% (95% confidence interval: 23.62-32.49), and the overall cumulative seroincidence for Leptospira was 14.60% (95% confidence interval: 10.33-20.23). Multivariable analysis showed that factors associated with L. interrogans serogroups seropositivity were outdoor occupation, male gender, older age, the presence of dirt floor in the household, and the presence of piglets and opossums. It also showed that factors associated with other Leptospira species serogroups were the presence of pit latrines and of turkeys. In addition, the multivariable model of seroincident cases of L. interrogans serogroups evidenced outdoor occupations, the presence of rats, and corn cultivation as risk factors. Likewise, the multivariable model for seroincident cases of other Leptospira species showed that the presence of hunting canines and cassava cultivation were risk factors. We found specific factors associated with the transmission of Leptospira serogroups contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology of Leptospira infection in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia.

On-Farm Multi-Environment Evaluation of Selected Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Cultivars in South Africa.

Cassava is an important starchy root crop grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions. The ability of cassava to withstand difficult growing conditions and long-term storability underground makes it a resilient crop, contributing to food and nutrient security. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and adaptability of exotic cassava cultivars across different environments in South Africa and to recommend genotypes for cultivation. A total of 11 cassava cultivars were evaluated at six on-farm sites, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were highly significant (p < 0.001) variations between genotypes, environments, and their interaction for all yield and yield-related traits studied. This indicates the need to test the genotypes in multiple environments before effective selection and commercialization can be undertaken. MSAF2 and UKF4 showed the overall best performances for most of the traits, whilst UKF9 (49.5%) and P1/19 (48.5%) had the highest dry matter yield. UKF4 (102.7 t ha−1) had the highest yield and greatest root yield stability across environments. MSAF2 did not perform consistently across environments because it was highly susceptible to cassava mosaic disease (CMD). MSAF2 could be used as a donor parent to generate novel clones with large numbers of marketable roots, and high fresh root yields, if the other parent can provide effective resistance to CMD. Based on genotype and environmental mean, Mabuyeni (KwaZulu-Natal), Mandlakazi (Limpopo), and Shatale (Mpumalanga) were found to be better environments for cassava cultivation and testing. This study is a pioneer in cassava research using multiple environments in South Africa. It provides baseline information on the performance of currently available cassava clones, their adaptation to multiple sites, the identification of suitable test sites, and information on current genetic resources for a future breeding program.

Diversity of edaphic predatory mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in the Amazon region

The Amazon region has been reported to hold some of the highest levels of biodiversity of the planet. However, little is known about the edaphic mesostigmatic mites of this region. Worldwide, the Mesostigmata constitute the most abundant order of edaphic predatory mites. Given their potential importance, knowledge about their diversity is considered desirable to allow the determination of species for use as biological control agents. Hence, an exploratory study has been conducted in parts of the Brazilian Amazon to evaluate the diversity of those mites in areas of natural vegetation as well as in areas of subsistence crops and livestock production for local use. The objective of this presentation is to report the results of the evaluation of soil-litter samples collected in January 2022 in Rorainópolis, state of Roraima, in areas of natural vegetation, cassava, pasture and an açaí (Euterpe oleracea) cultivation, taking 16 samples of each area. A total of 540 Mesostigmata (Gamasina cohort) mites was collected, of which 339 were adult females representing 40 morphospecies (eleven new to science), distributed in 24 genera (two new to science) grouped into 13 families. The highest abundance was found in the cassava cultivation, where 142 adult females, representing the highest number of genera (13) and species (18). Pasture had the lowest abundance (51 specimens), representing the lowest number of genera (9) and species (11). Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae were the most abundant families, each representing about 32% of the identified females, followed by Ascidae with 9%. Considering all areas together, Multidentorhodacarus squamosus (Rhodacaridae) was the most abundant species, being dominant in areas of cassava cultivation (53 specimens) and natural vegetation (31 specimens). A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) (13 individuals) and a new species of Neogamasellevans (Ologamasidae) (19 individuals) were dominant in the pasture and açaí cultivation, respectively. &#x0D;

Organic manures and inorganic fertilizers effects on soil properties and economic analysis under cassava cultivation in the southern Cameroon

Cassava cultivation causes serious soil fertility depletion in southern Cameroon due to high mining of soil nutrients by the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB), poultry manure (PM) and inorganic fertilizers (IF) on soil properties, cassava yield, and the economic returns. The treatments consisted of two rates of TB (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of PM (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of combined TB and PM (5 and 10 t ha−1), a single rate of inorganic fertilizers (100 N:22P:83 K kg ha−1) and a control. The results showed that soil properties, soil quality index and cassava yield were significantly improved by the application of the organic manures. Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB) and poultry manure (PM) lowered the soil bulk density, increased soil total porosity, water holding capacity and chemical properties. TB and PM, solely or mixed, improved the aerial dry biomass (ADB) and fresh tuber yield (FTY) of cassava. The organic manures performed better than inorganic fertilizer. The highest yield (51 and 52 t ha−1 of fresh tubers) was obtained with the mixture of TB and PM applied at 10 t ha−1 each for the successive years. Positive and significant correlation was found between SQI and cassava yield. TB and PM combined at 10 t ha−1 each was the most profitable and cost-effective treatment, with a good benefit:cost ratio of 3.2:1 and net return of FCFA 3.736.900 ha−1. Thus, the use of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass and poultry manure is a sustainable method for cassava production in the southern Cameroon.

Spatial Variability of the Organic Matter in the Soil in Cassava Cultivation Under Differentiated Management

The management of soil organic matter (SOM) is fundamental in agriculture for soil conservation and crop yields. However, in addition the soil being dynamics, it is heterogeneous, therefore, understanding the spatial variability of SOM is essential. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of SOM in a cassava cultivation under different management, seeking to classify its spatial dependence by geostatistics. A filed experiment was conducted out on soil classified as oxisol with four different management systems: irrigation (micro sprinkler, drip and no irrigation), spacing (1.0 &amp;times; 0.8 m, 1.0 &amp;times; 1.0 m and 1.0 &amp;times; 1.5 m), weed control (manual control and no control) and acidity correction (limestone and withouth limestone), totaling 36 experimental plots. To determine the SOM, the wet oxidation method was used, and the semivariograms were generated by the GS+&amp;reg; software. The effect of the different management systems on the spatial variability of the SOM was evaluated at a depth of 0.0-0.2 m. The theoretical semivariogram model that best fitted the study was the Gaussian model, with a well-defined level, also expressing the condition of data stationarity. The spatial dependence was classified as strong and, through the thematic map generated from the kriging, it was possible to observe the variability in the SOM content for different management zones. The use of geostatistics techniques provided important information for understanding the spatial distribution of soil organic matter.

Land suitability assessment for Jarak Towo cassava development (case studies in Tawangmangu and Ngargoyoso sub-districts, Karanganyar regency, Indonesia)

Jarak towo is one of the local varieties of cassava that has uniqueness and characteristics, including a fluffier and more savory taste, a more expensive price and better market opportunities compared to other types of cassava. However, this cassava requires special land criteria to produce abundant and quality tubers. This is related to the land suitability factor. This study aimed to assess land suitability to obtain potential land for the development of jarak towo. It was carried out in Tawangmangu and Ngargoyoso Sub-districts, Karanganyar Regency. This research was explorative-descriptive with a land survey approach. The survey was carried out in four land map units (LMU) based on land use and altitude. The altitude of each area is 1,400 masl (LMU 1), 1,200 masl (LMU 2), 1,000 masl (LMU 3) and 800 masl (LMU 4). Land suitability was obtained by matching soil and land characteristics with the optimum growth requirements of jarak towo cassava. The results showed that not all land in the Ngargoyoso and Tawangmangu Sub-district was suitable for the development of jarak towo. Some land and soil parameters were at a marginal level, making them a limiting factor for land suitability and affect the growth, quantity and quality of cassava tubers. The limiting factor will reduce production or double the required input. Land in the study area was marginally suitable (S3) and not suitable (N) for jarak towo. The limiting parameters for cassava cultivation were low temperature, low organic C, steep slopes, low P2O5 and K2O and shallow soil. Several locations that had the potential for the development of jarak towo cassava were LMU 2, 3, and 4 in Tawangmangu and LMU 3 and 4 in Ngargoyoso with additional improvement efforts. Improvements that could be made were the application of a well-constructed bench terrace and the addition of organic fertilizers combined with P and K fertilizers. Key words: land evaluation, limiting factors, potential land, jarak towo, land map units, terraces

Cassava: Farmers Adoption and Livelihood in Bono Region Performance of Stochastic Frontier Functions

The objective is to analyze the stochastic frontier function in comparing the performance of the Cobb-Douglas and Translog Frontier functions in the cultivation of cassava in the Bono Region of Ghana. The assumption is that given the same level of productive inputs of farmers at any given farming season, across heterogeneous farmlands, both functions are likely to produce the same results. The interview was used as the instrument for obtaining plot-specific data from 120 cassava farmers across six districts and data was analyzed using the quantitative technique. Direct predictors of output include plot size, labor, hoes, cutlasses, and cassava stems. Using a half-normal distributional assumption, the study evaluates variance parameters of the composed error terms. The results showed that the estimated functions produced comparable results in terms of magnitude and signs of input variables. While efficiency appeared to be much higher in Cobb-Douglas than in the Translog function, the variance parameter score for the CD function is significantly different from those of the Translog function, and the maximum output attainable for the given productive inputs was 40% and 15% respectively. This means that farmers can scale up their current crop yield by 60% and 85% respectively of their frontier functions using the same inputs and technology if the appropriate interventions are carried out. The limitation of the study is the non-inclusion of environmental factors such as rain as productive input and the study is limited to comparing frontier functions. The results underscored the importance of examining the current production behavior of farmers for reliability and policy inferences

The Impact of Tillage and Weed Control Methods on Physical Properties of Sandy Clay Loam Forest Ochrosol in Cassava Cultivation

The field study was carried out on a sandy clay loam forest ochrosol at Hodzo, near Ho in Ghana, from July 2017 to May 2018. The objective was to determine how tillage and weed control techniques affect the physical properties of the soil. The split-plot design was used in the study, with tillage serving as the main factor and weed control serving as the subplot factor. The tillage treatments were no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), and ploughing followed by harrowing and ridging (PHR) and deep tillage followed by Ploughing, harrowing, and ridging (DPHR). On the other hand, the weed control treatments comprised hoe weeding, machete weeding, and no weeding. It was realised during the study that, in the upper layer (0–15 cm), the PHR treatment produced lower soil penetration resistance (38.57 kPa), high dry bulk density (1.019 Mgm−3), and slightly lower soil moisture content (5.0%) in comparison with the other tillage treatments at three months after planting (3 MAP). The results on initial and basic infiltration rates portrayed a trend where the more intensive the tillage regime (hence, soil disturbance), the lower the initial and basic infiltration rates, and vice versa. Moreover, tillage had a higher impact on the physical characteristics of the soil than weed control methods. Nonetheless, tillage with machete weeding resulted in lower soil dry bulk density and higher moisture content, while tillage with hoe weeding reduced penetration resistance and increased infiltration rates. Given similar weather and soil conditions, the study recommends that farms and farmers in the Ho Municipality and the Volta Region adopt conservative tillage methods such as heaping with machete or hoe weeding and use the savings to expand their farm sizes. Therefore, the adoption of conservation tillage practices is more crucial than ever in order to ensure sustainable food production with minimal impact on the soil and environment.