ABSTRACT
Cassava is a tropical root crop known as "yuca", "tapioca", "manioc", or "mandioca". Cassava has a reputation as a rustic crop that grows reasonably well under adverse conditions of climate and soils. Since cassava grows reasonably well on infertile soils, farmers often consider it a scavenger crop. Nutritional disorders in cassava can be diagnosed by observation of visual symptoms or by soil or plant analyses. Critical concentrations for deficiencies and toxicities in cassava plant tissue have been determined for most nutrients, and are summarized. Nutrient deficiency and toxicity symptoms in cassava have been determined in sand and nutrient solution cultures, and symptoms for most elements have been observed in the field. Cassava has several alternative uses in rather independent markets. Thus highest prices are generally obtained in the fresh root market for human consumption, but this market is limited and retail costs are high due to the perishability of the crop.
