Litter production and nutrient cycling in a mature cocoa plantation on inland soils of Peninsular Malaysia
A number of studies were undertaken by Dunlop Research Centre to estimate litterfall and nutrient fluxes associated with litterfall, decomposition and rainwash in a well managed Gliricidia shaded cocoa plantation on inland soils in Peninsular Malaysia. Cocoa litterfall was sampled in 6 to 12-year-old cocoa plantings over a period of three years. Some 4.5 to 6.5 t of dry litter per hectare per year were produced. Of these, leaves accounted for over 90%. The pattern of production was influenced by shade levels and rainfall. Cocoa litterfall was estimated to return about 75-94 kg N, 4-5 kg P, 84-100 kg K, 28-34 kg Mg and 58-78 kg Ca per hectate per year to the soil. The rate of decomposition of leaf litter was very rapid - 75% loss in dry matter in 12 months. K was released most rapidly compared to other nutrients. Studies with Gliricidia showeded a high level of N in the leaves and also in the root nodules. The rate of N transfer via Gliricidia litterfall can exceed 45 kg per ha per year. The studies showed that considerable amounts of nutrients were in constant and rapid circulation in mature Gliricidia shaded cocoa plantation. The need for a total ecosystem approach towards fertiliser usage in cocoa was emphasized.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Kuala Lumpur (Malasia): Incorporated Society of Planters,
1986
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| Subjects: | THEOBROMA CACAO, GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM, SOMBRA, PLANTACION, AGROFORESTERIA, RENDIMIENTO DE CULTIVOS, PROCESOS DE TRANSPORTE EN EL SUELO, RELACIONES PLANTA SUELO, NUTRICION DE LAS PLANTAS, BIOMASA, MALASIA, |
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