How many tons of cassava per hectare?
A hectare of cassava farmland can produce about 30 tons of cassava tubers if good agronomic practices are implemented.
The tons of cassava a one hectare farmland can produce depend on a lot of factors. A one hectare of farmland of cassava in one location can produce as low as 2 tons while another he tare of cassava may produce over 50 tons.
In Nigeria, the ton of cassava produced by a hectare of farmland is generally low because of a lot of factors. However, I have seen a number of farmers getting above 50 tons of cassava tubers from a hectare of farmland.
Factors determining the tons of cassava a 1 hectare farmland can produce
The following are the factors that determine the tons of cassava a one hectare farmland can produce:
Soil Fertility
The level of fertility of your soil can impact tons of cassava you will harvest. A soil that is rich in nutrients and very healthy can produce more than 30 tons of cassava per hectare.
A poor soil can produce as low as 5 tons of cassava per hectare. You should do a soil test before you start your cassava farming venture. If your soil test result shows that your soil is poor, you need to correct the deficiencies before planting.
Cassava Variety Planted
The type of cassava variety planted can also impact the yield from your cassava farm. Some cassava varieties produce better yield than others.
Hybrid cassava varieties often have higher yields than open pollinated cassava varieties. However, hybrid cassava varieties require more inputs like fertilizers, water and chemicals. If you use hybrid cassava varieties and you do not have enough inputs, you may record a very low yield.
Availability of Water
Water is important in cassava farming. Without water, you may get a low yield from your cassava farm. If you are planting in the dry season, the use of irrigation is advised. Drip irrigation can be used for the growing of cassava.
Farmers who grow cassava in the rainy season will get more tons of cassava than farmers who plant in the dry season without the use of irrigation.
Pests and Diseases
If your cassava farm is heavily infested with pests and diseases, you may get a low yield.
Pests and diseases can reduce your cassava yield to zero. Pesticides should be used to prevent and control pests and diseases.
Weeds
Cassava farms do not perform very well when infested with a lot of weeds. Weeds share nutrients and water with the main crop. They also harbor pests.
If not controlled, weeds can significantly reduce the yield of cassava plants and indeed any crop at all.
Poor Agronomic Practices
Poor agronomic practices can lead to a low yield in your cassava farm. Cultural practices in farming should be judiciously implemented.
Expertise and Capital
Farmers who have little or no expertise in farming often record poor yield. Cassava farming involves some expertise. You need to have the skills it takes to be a successful cassava farmer, without this, you may record a low yield.
Capital is also very important. Without adequate capital, you may not have enough money to buy fertilizers, good cassava cultivar, chemicals and other inputs needed for your farm. This can negatively impact the yield of your cassava farm.
How many tons of cassava do you harvest from your cassava farm? Kindly share the answer in the comments’ section.
Read our article on the best month to plant cassava.
