Factors affecting the fertility status of soils growing cassava in sub-Saharan Africa
1998
A:PS
Details
Title
Factors affecting the fertility status of soils growing cassava in sub-Saharan Africa
Publication Date
1998
Call Number
A:PS
Summary
The soils of cassava-growing areas of sub-Saharan Africa were sampled in 1991 during the second phase of the Collaborative Study of Cassava in Africa (COSCA) in order to assess and document their fertility status. Approximately 500 fields specifically grown to cassava or cassava-based crop mixtures were sampled and the soils analysed for nineteen physicochemical soil properties. Soil data obtained from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda are reported in this paper. The variations in soil properties as may be attributed to differences in climate, altitude, depth of sampling, and cassava intercropping systems were also analysed. The soils used for cassava in these four countries were generally of medium to high fertility status. The fertility status across the agroecological zones was in the order: nonhumid > highland humid > subhumid > lowland humid. The soils used for cassava in the mid-altitude zones were significantly more fertile than those of the low-altitude zones. Similarly, soils from 0-20 cm depth contained significantly higher nutrients than those from 20-40 cm depth. The nutrient ratings showed that cassava soils are not 'marginal' in terms of nutrient content and availability. Low levels of organic matter and total N were the major soil constraints identified.
Journal Citation
v.29(1/2):141-159, COMMUNICATIONS IN SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT ANALYSIS
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles