Effect of fertilizer treatment on the chemical and functional properties of high quality cassava flour

Abstract

The effect of different levels of fertilizer treatment on some chemical and functional properties of high quality cassava flour (HQCF) was investigated. Cassava cultivar (TMS/98/0505) was intercropped with maize (TZSR-Y) and fertilized with urea at 4 weeks after planting. The fertilizer was applied at the -1 rates of 0 (control), 30, 60, 90 and 120 kgha . Cassava tubers were harvested 12 months after planting.The cassava roots were processed into HQCF, and standard laboratory methods were used to evaluate the chemical and functional properties of the flour. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and mean values were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. Fertilizer treatment had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the crude fat, crude fibre, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, swelling power, oil absorption capacity and dispersibility of HQCF. The ash contents of HQCF treated with fertilizer were significantly (p<0.05) higher than control. All the flour samples had pH of less than 7.The phytate and tannin contents of HQCF decreased as the level of fertilizer treatment increased. Loosebulk density, solubility index, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and dispersibility values were 0.42-0.43%, 3.00–7.66%, 140.00–178.00%, 141-265.00% and 69.00–189.00%, respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the pasting properties of HQCF, except peak viscosity and peak time. In conclusion, high quality cassava flour obtained from cassava treated with fertilizer exhibited quality characteristics within regulatory limits in terms of moisture content, ash, pH, total titratable acidity and crude fibre.