DETERMINING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF THE SOIL USING (TME 419) VARIETY OF MANIHOT ESCULENTA UNDER (2014) THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION AGENDA@EVWODE OVIA NORTH EAST LGA, EDO STATE.NIGERIA

Brai M.A, Ehiomogue P. & Eriakha E.C.

Department of Sciences, National Institute of Construction Technology (NICT), Uromi Edo

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Michael Okpara University, Umudike

Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.

Email: maxcellusng6@gmail.com

Abstract

The use of mechanized method of cassava cultivation tends to assist in reducing the cost of production and increase plant yield.( Akande L.O. 2006) Therefore, the essence of this study is to increase the output of fresh cassava using  the recommended International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) TME419 and TMS98/0581 in sustaining the nation’s food security and being able to feed the cassava processing factories in the state. The study was carried out at Evbode in Ovia North East Local Government area of Edo State. Two hectares area of cassava arable land was cited and preliminary soil analysis was carried out using the soil sample and recorded to detect the fertility of the soil.