Page 51 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

It grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 25-
29°C and altitudes from 0 -1,500 m above sea level (a.s.l). Cassava requires
an annual rainfall between 1,000 to 1,500 mm. The crop can tolerate lower
rainfall but performs best with consistent moisture throughout the growing
season. A well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0 is optimum for
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cassava production. Waterlogged or saline soil is not recommended for cassava
production. Mechanical measures like contouring should be implemented on
steep slopes to prevent soil erosion.

Land preparation for cassava production
In cassava production, land preparation involves clearing the site, ploughing, and
making ridges or mounds for planting. Land preparation can be done using a
hand hoe, motorised tiller, or tractor-drawn instruments to plough the soil and
form ridges. Ploughing the soil at a 20-30 cm depth is recommended to ensure it
is loose enough for the roots to develop properly. The land should be cleared of
weeds, shrubs, and old crop residues.

Activity 3.1

Visit the school farm and then perform the following tasks:
(a) Identify the suitable site for cassava crop establishment;

(b) Identify equipment that can be used for land preparation;
(c) Use the identified equipment to prepare the land for cassava planting; and

(d) Make ridges at the appropriate spacing.

Selection of planting materials
Cassava is vegetatively propagated using stem cuttings. Vegetative multiplication
is a simple approach with the advantage of producing vigorous plants. Many
improved cassava varieties are suited to different agroecological zones and
production purposes. Choosing a marketable variety and disease-resistant variety
is recommended for commercial and subsistence cassava production. Consult
agricultural extension workers and experienced farmers for available cassava
varieties that are resistant to disease in the targeted area. Choose healthy, disease-
free cassava plants 8-12 months old with mature stems 2-3 cm in diameter for

cutting. After choosing the right cassava plants, remove the top and bottom ends.

Student’s Book Form Two 43

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 43 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 43