Diagnosis of Soil Limiting Factors for Cocoa Trees in Southern Côte d'Ivoire: Approaches for Optimising Production in Azaguié | Chapter 9 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

Cocoa is the essential raw material for chocolate production and provides several health benefits. Regular consumption of Cocoa has been shown to improve mood, prevent blood clots, premature cell ageing and the development of cancer in the human body. In recent years, cocoa yields in southern Côte d'Ivoire have stagnated or declined, highlighting the need to identify factors limiting production. This study aimed to identify the key soil characteristics that limit cocoa yields in Azaguié, with a view to improving production. The study was conducted in a field of Azaguié cocoa trees (5° 37’29" N, 4° 09’ 01" W) in southern Côte d'Ivoire. In a cocoa plantation, a topographic sequence (oriented N45° - L: 200 m) comprising a summit, upper slope, middle slope and lower slope was selected for the study. On each topographical segment, pseudo soil pits were dug at the foot of the cocoa trees (1 metre from the trunk). Soil samples from depths of 0–30 cm were taken and sent to the laboratory for physical and chemical analysis. The average values of the soil parameters for the topographical segments were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The pH levels range between 5.2 and 5.8, indicating highly acidic soils at the top and acidic soils at the bottom of the slope. Good potassium levels (K+: 0.3–0.6 cmol.kg-1) and moderate calcium levels (Ca2+ : 2.3–2.9 cmol.kg-1) were noted, compared with very low magnesium concentrations. Except for the soils at the summit, which have unacceptable phosphorus levels (P: 29.7 mg.kg-1), the soils at the top, middle and bottom of the slope are depleted in P, organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N). The attachment sites for exchangeable bases on the ground at the bottom of slopes are moderately occupied (V: 27%). The addition of lime and organic matter in the form of well-decomposed compost is recommended to improve cocoa tree yields. This study was necessary as it highlighted certain chemical parameters of the soil that are linked to the suboptimal yields of cocoa trees. However, the physical characteristics of the soil in the study area still need to be evaluated in future studies.

 

Author(s) Details

BOUADOU Oi Bouadou Félix
UFR Earth Sciences and Mining Resources (STRM), University of Félix Houphouët- Boigny (UFHB), 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.

 

TANOH Adjoua Germaine
Soil, Water and Geomaterials Sciences Laboratory (LSSEG), University of Félix Houphouët- Boigny (UFHB), 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.

 

BONGOUA Affi Jeanne Epouse DEVISME
Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture (PAD), University of Félix Houphouët- Boigny (UFHB), 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.

 

ETTIEN Djetchi Jean Baptiste
Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture (PAD), University of Félix Houphouët- Boigny (UFHB), 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6783