Phospholipid P content of some cocoa soils of Ghana

The hexane-acetone method was used to measure the phospholipid P content of some cocoa soils. The value which ranges from 1.75 microgram P g exponent -1 soil to 12.93 microgram P g exponent-1 are more in line with European levels than North American levels. Soil-extract dilution plates revealed 16 X 10 exponent 8 - 81 X 10 exponent 8 bacteria per gram in the 0-15 cm layer. Even though plant residues contributed significantly to the phospholipid P content of soil, micro-organisms are considered to be the major source. The increase in soil inorganic P at a time when cocoa required most of its P, the decrease in both the phospholipid P and organic P and the time of application of fertilizer P were suggested as possible reasons why available P estimated by the conventional methods are not related to P response by cocoa