Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and Pods ( Theobroma cacao L.) in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems

摘要

Objective: This study aimed to characterise the physico- chemical properties of soils and the biochemistry of cocoa pods in cocoa agroforestry systems, that may be beneficial for community of cocoa associations under agroforestry systems in the tropical, Tabasco, Mexico. Methodology: Granulometric, biochemical and physical analysis showed that the cocoa agroforestry plantations of the municipal districts of Cunduacán, Cardenas Comalcalco have clayey soils, pH was moderately acidic to neutral and it had high levels of organic matter and total nitrogen content: 9-10 and 0.15-0.21%, respectively. Data were analyzed by linear model and one-way (ANOVA) using SAS. Results: The average nutritional content of cocoa pods from cocoa agroforestry systems was as follows, total carbon (94.34%), Zn (50.26%), nitrogen (1.33%), potassium (1.78%), calcium (0.42%), magnesium (0.32%), ash (93.20%) and protein (8.3%). The electrical conductivity was influenced by various physico- chemical properties of the soil, such as soil texture , organic matter content, soil moisture, cation exchange capacity, salinity, pH, Ca and Mg. The physico- chemical properties and high nutritional content of the soils used in these agroforestry systems were suitable for the sustainable production of cocoa. Conclusion: It was concluded that results may vary depending on the natural balance between the vegetation habitat and the biochemical, biological, physical and chemical properties of the soil.