Soil Physical Properties of Cassava and Potatoes Performance in Differently Tilled Soil

The soil physical properties and performance parameters of Cassava (Manihot esculanta) and sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) were evaluated on ridge, heap, zero-till and untilled flat soils in order to determine soil physical properties dictating the crops performance and most suitable tillage method. Separate experiment was performed on the crops on sandyclay loam alfisol at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Southwest Nigeria. Tilled soils (heap and ridge) had lower and similar bulk density, lower moisture content and higher temperature. The tilled soils also had higher values of growth parameters and tube yield. Correlation coefficients between soil bulk density and Cassava yield was -0.96, while it was -0.98 in respect of Potato. Soil bulk density dictated crops performance. Heap and ridge significantly increased performance of the crops. Relative to untilled soil, heap and ridge increased Potato yield by 159 and 222% respectively, the value for Cassava were 19 and 32%.Keywords: Cassava (Manihot esculanta), sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas), crops on sandyclay loam alfisol, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Southwest Nigeria