Growth of Cocoa Planted on Highly Weathered Soil as Affected by Application of Basalt and/or Compost

Abstract

Oxisols, which are highly weathered, occupy a large area of Malaysia. These soils are infertile because of low pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) levels but high aluminum (Al) content. The infertility can be ameliorated by applying soil amendments. A study was conducted to determine the effects of basalt and/or rice husk compost application on cocoa growth planted on an Oxisol. The results showed that either basalt or rice husk compost and their combinations were effective ameliorants. Basalt application increased soil pH and exchangeable Ca and Mg while decreasing exchangeable Al. Accordingly, soil solution Ca, Mg, and K increased and Al and manganese (Mn) concentrations decreased. Silicate released from basalt was able to lower the pHo (the pH at which the net charge of the variable charge minerals is zero), indicating a negative charge was being generated, which led to increase in the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the Oxisol. The improvement in soil fertility because of application of the amendments had improved cocoa growth. Leaf K and P of the cocoa planted on the basalt-treated soils were within the sufficient range for cocoa growth. Rice husk compost applied at a rate of less than 20 t ha−1 in this trial was not able to supply sufficient N to the cocoa. Basalt application at an appropriate rate effectively ameliorates acidic soil infertility, but it takes time to realize the positive effects of application as it slowly dissolves under field conditions.