CASSAVA

Cassava can be along term plant, from six months to two years depending uponthe use it is intended for. Although this grows anywhere thatthe soil is loose and not water logging, and rich, farmersdo not care much for it. Many are still unaware that besidesbeing second to rice among crops, cassava is valuable in industry.From cassava, alcohol, glucose, solvent, explosives, animalfeed, fertilizers, energy and others are derived.

There are many kindsof cassava that are well adapted to our climate, but onlyfour of these are common because of their low hydrocyanicacid content. There are Golden Yellow, Katabang, Macan andBrasil. Two others used in the manufacture of starch are theHawaiian 5 and Java Brown. The Mandica Sao Pedro Preto isnot edible because of its high poison content.

PLANTING

1. Cassava may beplanted at any season, but it is better if the soil is alwayswet in the first 4-5 weeks after planting.

2. The stem to beplanted must be from a matured plant, about a year old, 25cm long with 5-7 nodes from bottom stem. The thickness ofthe stem must not be smaller than half of the fattest partof the stem from where it is cut. If the stem is smaller thanthis, it will not have much nutrient content with which tostart the new plant, so the roots and growths will be small.

3. Cut the stemcrosswise with a sharp bolo. Avoid bruises and breaks andplant within the week when the stem are cut. The stem to beplanted can last up to 10 days if these are wrapped in a wetcloth or sack and placed in any airy and shady place. If it is not possible to plant immediately, these will stillgrow within a month if it is sprayed with any of the followingbefore storage: Orthocide or Daconil, Manzate, Dithane, Demosan,Brassicol, Visigran or Agallol. It should be stored in a shady,humid or cool place with temperature between 20-30 C.

Land Preparation

Like any land preparationfor planting, plow the land to remove weeds and grasses. Letit stand for another week and plow for the third time. 

1. Make hills about75 cm apart from one another, depending on the kind to planted.

2. With the helpof a pointed stick, make a hole about 18 cm deep in each hillwhere the stem are to be planted, one in each hole.  

3. Plant early inthe morning or late afternoons during summer or anytime whenthe sun is cool.

Three methods ofplanting cassava

a. Horizontal - during summerso that the plant will kept moist.

b. Vertical - during rainydays so that it will not rot if constantly wet.

c. Slanting - between thetwo season mentioned.

In planting, unless the stemis horizontal, bury 3/4 of the stem in the soil

and cover the 1/4 with 10cm fine soil.

1. After a month,other short term crops may be planted in between the cassavaplants. But if the other plants will be as high as the cassavaas they grow, they can be planted at the same time.

2. When applyingfertilizer for a second time, hill up around the plants, asin corn fertilizing.

3. Cassava needswatering, especially in the first two months of its growth,when the root crop is begging to grow. 

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