Performance of Two Cassava (Manihot Escculenta Crantz) Genotypes to NPK Fertilizer in Ultisols of Sikasso Region, Mali

In Mali, cassava is grown on ultisols in Sikasso region situated in the southern part of the country. The yields are however low due to the low fertility of the cassava growing soils, inadequate fertilizer use and low yielding genotypes. This study aimed at determining the effect of four NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) rates (0 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1) applications on growth and yield of two cassava genotypes. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was used in two sites during 2016/2017 cropping season. The fertilizer rates were applied in two splits of equal quantity at two weeks after planting and two months later. Data on plant height, numbers of branches, number of stem, stem diameter, number of tubers per plant, and fresh tuber weight were collected. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS version 9.3). Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p=0.05 was used to separate means. The 300 kg ha-1 of NPK did achieve a significant output on both growth and yield parameters compare to the other rates. The number of tuber per plant and fresh tuber yield increased by 49% and 133% respectively in the plot which received 300 kg ha-1 of NPK compared to the controls. There was a significant correlation (r=0.6533 at P =0.0005) between the NPK fertilizer rates and fresh tuber yield in Loulouni. The results will form a basis for NPK use on cassava in the study area and policy briefs in the country.