Abstract
The study uses the index of soil deterioration to evaluate the soil nutrient status as a result of cultivating different species of cocoa in Idanre, Odigbo and Owo areas of Southwest Nigeria. Soil samples were randomly taken and analyzed using standard methods. The results indicated variation in soil properties under both species due to the difference in nutrient uptake. Results also show that soil properties deteriorate more under hybrid than on indigenous cocoa plantations. Amongst the nutrients, phosphorus had the highest rate of increase for indigenous than hybrid cocoa plantations. Average weight of cocoa pod ranges from 0.50 to 0.60kg in indigenous and 0.56 to 0.85kg in hybrid species. Removal of the nutrients is directly linked to the rapid development of the hybrid species, their weight and size as opposed to the indigenous species. The study recommends seasonal relocation of podhusk deposit sites and spread of accumulated podhusk across the farm, application of chemical and podhusk fertilizer, and development of cocoa variety with low soil fertility tolerance. Keywords: Cocoa, hybrid, indigenous, species
Highlights
According to Ekanade (1985), the index of deterioration is the difference between the mean values of soil properties in the forest on the one hand and the cocoa plant communities, on the other
Soil Properties under Hybrid Cocoa Plantations: The study revealed that the sand content in hybrid cocoa plantations ranged from 28.80% in the subsoil in Idanre to 52.80% in the topsoil in Idanre and Odigbo
Findings from this study showed that P appreciated under hybrid cocoa plantations compared to other essential nutrients
Summary
According to Ekanade (1985), the index of deterioration is the difference between the mean values of soil properties in the forest on the one hand and the cocoa plant communities, on the other. Deterioration index in Indigenous Cocoa Species: The result shows that on the topsoil in Idanre area, there existed improvement in silt (-25%), nitrogen (21.15%), pH (-6.73%), P (-181.42%) and Fe (-4.88) and deterioration of both physical and chemical properties ranged from 0 (clay, EC, K, and Mg) to 52.42% (Ca).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call