Soil Fertility Evaluation of Major Cocoa Producing Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Assessment of soil textures and fertility properties of major cocoa producing areas of Cross River State of Nigeria was carried out to ascertain their suitability for cocoa production. Thirty six (36) representative soil samples were collected between November 2016 and January 2017 from 18 selected cocoa farms in Boki, Ikom and Etung and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Result indicated textural classes of loamy sand, sandy loam sandy clay loam, sandy clay and clay loam soils in the cocoa farms with a mean clay 30.02 percent, silt 13.49% and sand 56.43 the result of the fertility properties of the soils show means in the ranges of pH (5,31-5.64), EC (0.021-0.023 ds/m), OM (2.81-3.36%)TN (0.07-0.09%), AV.P (2.82-5.92 mg/kg), exch Mg (1.47-200 cmol/kg) exchange Na (0.05-0.06 cmol/kg) ECEC (6.73-8.94 cmol/kg) BS (77.25-82.70%). In this study area base saturation, exchangeable calcium and magnesium and total nitrogen were adequate within recommended limit. Available phosphorus, potassium, organic matter electrical conductivity and effective cation exchange capacity were below the critical level. A guarded application of appropriate fertilizers in this cocoa growing area is recommended for sustainable yield of cocoa in quantity and quality.