**3. Cover crops and mulching**

Another fundamental strategy for enjoying the full benefits of conservation tillage is maintaining a continuous ground cover. Because cassava's initial development is slow, the soil is exposed to direct rain at the first few months of its growth, and the wide spacing between planted stakes favors the appearance of weeds. Therefore, ground cover is very crucial in cassava cultivation. Farmers cover the soil surface with mulch, such as crop residues, or grow cover crops, to protect the soil surface, reduce runoff and erosion, and inhibit weed growth. With little or no effort, cassava stakes can be planted simply through the mulch cover. Even during lengthy droughts, mulch cover protects the soil, reducing daily temperature changes and water loss. It raises the organic matter content of the soil and creates a favorable environment for soil microorganisms and wildlife below ground. It favors higher yields by improving physical soil conditions: lower soil temperatures, higher levels of moisture, increased water infiltration capacity, and lower evaporation [5].
