Page 111 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 11

GREEN HANDS

9. Cassava– dicotyledonous rotation root crop

Spacing Rows 75cm
In Furrow 120cm
Furrow depth 10cm organic 5cm
Fertilisation 350ml Organic 12ml Inorganic NPK
Plant cutting on upslope of 20 cm long with 5.8 nodes and 1.5-
teren rope 3.5 cm thick
Planting depth Push 2/3rds or 13 cm deep

Yield 20 tonnes per hectare
Cassava can be grown effectively on flat ground. Cut the plants that are ready for harvesting, leaving a base of 40 cm
behind as a pullout handle. The roots must be harvested within 2 days after taking cuttings. Select cuttings from disease
free plants, using only the mid portion of the parent plant not the base or top leafy sections. Store the cuttings in the
shade standing upright, preferably transplanting every day but never store for more than 5 days. Plant stakes vertically
with the correct orientation, so that the topside is on top. If using inorganic fertilizer, prevent burning of the cuttings by
placing 12 ml of balanced NPK in a small punched hole, 10 cm on upslope side of the cutting, 5 cm deep. High blanket
coverage helps to keep the soil moist and crumbly for easy uprooting at harvest time. Cassava is a very drought resistant
crop and produces a high starch root which has been the survival mechanism crop for many poor communities.

10. Sweet Potato – dicotyledonous rotation root crop

Spacing Rows 75cm
In Furrow 30cm
Furrow depth 15cm organic Inorganic 12cm
Fertilisation per meter 500ml Compost 12ml Inorganic NPK
PSeed rate per hectare 30cm long, flat for 20cm and then
last leaves out the ground
Planting depth 10cm deep
Top dress None
Yield 12 tonnes per hectare

30 cm long cuttings should ideally be kept moist in a cool, shady place for 3 days to stimulate root growth before trans-
planting. The cuttings should come from parent plants that are about 3 months old and disease free. Sweet potato has
a high nutritional value and should become one of the staples grown by all farming families, even if it is only for home
consumption.

Summary
God has shown us the importance of diversity in His creation and we should be following closely what we see our
Father doing in all areas of farming. It is however vitally important, to consider that it is better start on a journey of
faithfulness with the small things, before embarking on these slightly more advanced technologies. The first step is to en-
courage 3 part rotational cropping and then build on that to incorporate relays and thereafter green manure cover crops.

This article marks the end of our Farming Gods way series. I believe with the information in the articles a farmer is well
instructed and equipped to start the journey of farming in faith and in the simplicity of genius that is God’s way.

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