Physiological and Morphological Responses of Cassava Genotypes to Fertilization Regimes in Chromi-Haplic Acrisols Soils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances three cassava genotypes on yield, physiology and morphological traits under different fertilization regimes. A field experiment conducted in a split-plot design for two consecutive seasons Mansa district Luapula Province Northern Zambia highly weathered Chromi-haplic Acrisol soils. Four regimes, control-M3, lime-M1, NPK fertilizer-M4 fertilizer + lime-M2 were main plots, while varieties (Mweru-V1, Bangweulu-V2 Katobamputa (local)-V3) subplots. Periodic measurements leaf area index, light interception, yield components from 75 days after planting (DAP) up 410 DAP daily weather data recorded. Fertilization significantly increased radiation use efficiency (RUE) extinction coefficient (K) compared control. Significant regimes varietal effects observed seasonal LAI, stem root biomass, harvest index (HI), tuber number, diameter, plant height SPAD (chlorophyll index). significant year’s physiological × variety interaction SPAD. year performances. Variety no three-way interactions all traits. lime treatments may be adopted increase response low soil nutrient conditions high rain-fed conditions.