Optimizing Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Production by Implementing an Innovative Cropping System in Daloa, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Background: Cassava production is important to food security and the rural economy in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire. This study assessed field yield responses of the Yavo cassava variety to chicken manure and rice husk charcoal, alongside reported soil measurements. Methods: Cassava mini-cuttings were propagated for 45 days using four nursery substrates. The field experiment was described as a randomised complete block design with three treatments (unamended control, chicken manure, and rice husk charcoal), three blocks, and 90 planting positions. Soil particle-size distribution and physicochemical characteristics were reported before and after planting. Results: The recorded fresh-root yields were 34.84 t/ha for the control, 54.63 t/ha for chicken manure, and 53.44 t/ha for rice husk charcoal. The reported treatment effect on yield was significant (p < 0.001), with both amended treatments differing from the control but not from each other. Mean numbers of tuberous roots did not differ significantly (p = 0.2364). Organic carbon, total nitrogen and organic matter were numerically higher in the post-planting soil sample, although these observations could not be attributed to individual treatments. Conclusions: The reported results suggest differences in field yield among amendment treatments. However, discrepancies in field dimensions and incomplete information on nursery-to-field allocation, harvested area, yield conversion, and soil sampling limit interpretation. Confirmation of these details is necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn about productivity or soil changes.