Resource information
The management of cassava intercropping and its evaluation are described. Multiple cropping systems are defined: consecutive cropping and intercropping (mixed intercropping, row intercropping, strip intercropping, and relay intercropping). Basic biological and nutritional aspects of multiple cropping are analyzed and cassava intercropping systems practiced throughout the world (Latin America, Africa, and Asia) are described. Improved technology for cassava intercropping is discussed regarding the selection of plant types for association (cassava, grain legumes, and other crops); relative planting time; planting density (cassava, grain legumes, and maize); spatial arrangement of the crops (cassava, grain legumes); mineral nutrition and fertilization (nutritional requirements of cassava and intercrops, selection of crops for intercropping, response to fertilization in monoculture and in association, competition for nutrients in intercropping systems, and methods of fertilizer application); pest, disease, and weed management. Intercropping systems are evaluated on the basis of their biological efficiency (relative planting time, plantingdensity, response to fertilization, and competition between crops) and their economical evaluation (comparison between systems and determination of profitability in intercropping systems). (CIAT)
