Influence of planting density on the agronomic efficiency and productive yield of cassava

This study evaluated the effect of different planting densities on the agronomic performance and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) variety Valenciana. A completely randomized design with four treatments was used: T1 (1.0 m × 0.8 m), T2 (1.0 m × 1.0 m), T3 (1.0 m × 1.2 m), and T4 (1.0 m × 1.4 m), each with five replications. The variables evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, number of tuberous roots, average tuberous root weight, and yield per hectare. The evaluation period corresponded to the dry season, characterized by water scarcity, between July and December. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments. Treatment T1 resulted in the highest average height (3.68 m), stem diameter (3.71 cm), number of tuberous roots (9.01), and yield (48,272 kg ha-1), as well as the best benefit/cost index (1.44). In contrast, T4 showed the lowest yield (23,497 kg ha-1) and lowest profitability ($0.88). These results confirm that planting density directly influences the productivity and economic efficiency of the crop. A density of 1.0 m × 0.8 m is considered optimal, as it maximized yield and profitability while maintaining a balance between competition for resources and space utilization. This management approach represents a viable and sustainable alternative for optimizing the commercial production of the local Valenciana variety under the tropical conditions of Manabí.

• Hovedforfatter: Cevallos López, Verónica Carolina (author)
• Andre forfattere: Palma, Roxanna (author), Briones Solórzano, Enma Johanna (author), Pesantez Muñoz, María José (author)
• Format: article
• Sprog: spa
• Udgivet: 2025
• Fag: Espaciamiento; productividad; optimización; Valenciana variety; Spacing; productivity; optimization; Valenciana
• Online adgang: https://revistasespam.espam.edu.ec/index.php/Revista_ESPAMCIENCIA/article/view/585