It is antagonistic to the gall nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, because of its root secretions which impair the larvae's hatching, penetration and reproduction. The physical and chemical qualities of the soil affect Guinea arrowroot's productivity. The right soil for growing Guinea arrowroot seems to be clayeyloam, which retains nutrients and allows good drainage, although organic matter also needs to be added. The plants are generally planted with 0.6 m between rows and 0.45 to 0.80 m apart. In research carried out by INPA in Manaus, distances of 1 m between rows and 0.50 m between plants are being adopted.
Observations indicate that denser plantings are to be more recommended.
Water supplements are a necessary condition for good yields. Low yields are mainly due to drought at the end of the rainy season. By irrigating the plantation in critical periods, a product yield of close to 15 tonnes per hectare and with more uniform roots has been achieved in Manaus. The yield from the experimental plantations of INPA in Manaus has been very variable. Product yields of 10 tonnes per hectare, and on small plots of 2 to 12 tonnes per hectare, have been reported.