The cassava is thriving

For this morning's blog I want to talk about the cassava crop. After I tried planting it in heavy clay soil and watched it die. Roots were stunted and rotted. Doesn't like living in compacted soils and has to have far less water than most people think before it can grow. It grows in tropical climates but likes the heat. It can deal with short dry periods once it's established. Even though it has poor tolerance to soils compared to maize and rice, that doesn't mean it can grow well in poor soils. You may be able to get something from it, but you're never going to get a thick rooted cassava.

More important than the fertility of the soil is the drainage. I've seen cassava plants thrive in soil that has been stripped of nutrients, as long as there is good drainage. The roots do not last long in waterlogged soil. People refer to cassava as forgiving, but it isn't the same as being indifferent.

When planting cassava, the soil should be loose enough so that all you have to do is put your hand into it. If you're struggling with compacted soil, till it up before planting. Some farmers use mounds, others use ridges, both will work if the water can run off.

It takes anywhere from 10 to 12 months or even more for cassava to mature depending on the variety. You can almost forget about them for that time frame, which is cool. But you cannot forget about your soil preparation at planting time.

You won't have any issues with planting cassava stems because they will all take root easily.