Ideal for any crop, soil preparation is a series of actions aimed at improving the physical and chemical conditions for root growth and plant establishment. For cassava planting, this process is paramount!
When well performed, this process implies root vigor and plant health. As a result, it is fully aligned with productivity gains, because the better the soil, the more productive the cassava.
Here are some questions and answers on how to prepare the soil for planting cassava and the best strategies for achieving excellent yields.
Why conduct a good soil analysis?
Before planting any crop, soil analysis is critical to ensure good production. Planting cassava is no different.
This measure can identify many of the characteristics of the soil, such as
- pH: indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil;
- Organic matter: the amount of organic matter present in the soil, which is important for water and nutrient retention;
- Nutrient contents: the amount of nutrients essential for plant development, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients;
- Texture: the amount of sand, silt and clay present in the soil.
When analyzed, this information makes it possible to determine the corrections and fertilizations necessary to optimize crop development.
It is worth noting that cassava requires high levels of potassium and, to a lesser extent, calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen. With the analysis, it is possible to know if these nutrients are missing, allowing them to be added to the soil.
In addition, if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, the availability of nutrients will be compromised, affecting plant growth. With soil analysis, identification becomes easier.
What is the ideal soil type?
Cassava is a rustic crop, consequently it can produce in soils with low nutrient content.
However, its greatest productive potential is expressed in soils with adequate levels of nutrients, deep, well-structured and drained.
For the roots, which are the main product of cassava, to grow well, the soil must be good:
- Be deep and friable (loose);
- Have a sandy or medium texture;
- Adequate drainage.
High clay content should be avoided. They cause compaction, inhibit root growth, and increase the risk of waterlogging and root rot.
As for topography, flat or slightly rolling terrain with a slope of less than 10% is indicated.
What are the main soil preparation techniques?
By its nature, cassava is a plant that absorbs large amounts of nutrients and exports virtually everything it absorbs, returning almost nothing to the soil in the form of crop residues.
Therefore, fertilization is a critical process to ensure high yields and better root quality.
However, the nutritional needs of the crop vary depending on the type of soil, climate, variety grown and the natural fertility of the land.
However, some general recommendations can be followed:
- Limestone: Cassava is demanding of calcium and magnesium. Therefore, these elements must be provided through the application of limestone (liming);
- Nitrogen: must be applied in coverage, all dosage at once, from 30 to 60 days after the budding of the mangoes;
- Phosphorus: the total dosage of phosphorus must be applied in the furrow or in the planting pit, at once;
- Potassium: it is necessary to place a layer of three centimeters of soil on top of the fertilizer, to prevent it from coming into contact with the seedlings.
What is the best time to prepare the soil?
The best time to plant the manifolds is at the beginning of the rainy season (April), at the same time as beans and corn. The process will be more efficient if it rains for at least four months after planting.
For this reason, soil preparation should take place about 30 days before planting. This is the ideal period to leave the soil prepared and with all the necessary nutrients.
During this period it is important to:
- Manage mulch (straw, sawdust) to conserve moisture;
- Control weeds;
- Protect the roots.
Additional recommendation: prepare the soil with sustainable practices
Cassava production requires careful soil management to ensure sustainability of production and conservation of natural resources.
At this point, adopting sustainable practices is critical to maintaining soil fertility, reducing erosion, and increasing productivity in the long term.
But what are these practices? Find out below:
No-till planting
Adopted to minimize soil turnover, no-tillage reduces erosion and organic matter loss.
It also allows the maintenance of permanent vegetation cover, protecting the soil and improving water infiltration. Finally, it favors the activity of microorganisms beneficial to the soil.
Crop rotation
Intercropping cassava with other crops is a way to break the cycle of pests and diseases, reduce nematode infestations, and improve soil fertility.
In this process, legumes such as beans and pigeon pea can be used as cover crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil.
Green manure
Performed by incorporating plants such as pigeon pea, sun hemp and mucuna into the soil. These increase organic matter and nutrient availability after flowering.
They also improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Biological Pest and Disease Control
Characterized by the use of natural enemies to control pests and diseases, reducing dependence on pesticides and preserving biodiversity.
Biological control also promotes biodiversity in the agricultural environment, for example by creating ecological corridors and maintaining areas of native forest.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is the combination of different pest control methods, such as cultural, biological and physical control, aiming to minimize the use of pesticides.
Its adoption is a way to reduce the use of pesticides and their negative impact on the environment and human health.
Finally, it is worth emphasizing that unlike the cultivation of other food crops, cassava can be grown on poor and sandy soils, as long as they are well drained.
However, soil preparation contributes a lot to good yields. There is no need for concern, it is straightforward, and the results will be satisfactory.
