Improving Cassava Yield and Profitability in the Philippines

Cassava is a staple food in many tropical countries, often only following rice and maize in importance. Cassava is widely grown because it does well on low fertility soils and can adapt to occasional drought. The ability to survive under challenging conditions makes it a particularly important crop for poorer communities. Current yields are usually well below their potential because cassava is typically grown on degraded soils that do not receive fertilizer. Cassava’s rising demand for use as food, animal feed, and industrial purposes encourages farmers to increase production. Improved fertilizer practices are necessary to provide. cassava with nutrients needed to produce higher yields, increase farmers’ income, and reverse soil degradation.