Effect of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Short-duration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Abstract

Background: Cassava is an important tropical tuber crop with great potential, particularly for short-duration varieties. Understanding the impact of nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of cassava is crucial for improving its productivity. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem in 2022-2023 to determine the effect of various nutrient management practices on the growth attributes, biomass production, dry matter distribution and yield characteristics of short-duration cassava. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. Results: The integrated nutrient management practice of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray (T10) resulted in higher crop growth, dry matter production, yield attributes, tuber yield and top yield. This was comparable with the organic practice of Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray (T7) among other organic practices. The control treatment with no manures, fertilizers or foliar sprays recorded lower growth and yield. The positive correlation between growth and yield attributes and yield was also observed. In conclusion, the application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray and Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray were effective in improving the growth and yield of short-duration cassava. From the study, it is also evident that the short-duration cassava is suitable for organic cultivation and can be integrated into existing cropping systems.