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IJSTR >> Volume 5 - Issue 2, February 2016 Edition



International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research  
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research

Website: http://www.ijstr.org

ISSN 2277-8616



Assessment Of The Physicochemical Characteristics Of Soils In Major Cocoa Producing Areas In The Dormaa West District Of Ghana

[Full Text]

 

AUTHOR(S)

Okoffo, E. D., Ofori, A., Nkoom, M., Bosompem, O. A.

 

KEYWORDS

Assessment; Cocoa Farms; Cocoa production; Dormaa West; Physicochemical properties; Soil quality

 

ABSTRACT

The physicochemical properties of cocoa growing soils were assessed in four cocoa growing communities in the Dormaa West District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana, to ascertain the variations in selected soil properties and the quality of these soils for cocoa production. Thirty-two (32) soil samples were collected between December 2014 and February 2015 from sixteen (16) selected cocoa farms and analysed using standard procedures. The results of the physicochemical properties of soils were in the ranges of: pH (7.35-8.49), EC (203-251 µS/cm), %OC (1.38-6.25%), %OM (2.38-10.8%), %TN (1.64-2.13%), Available phosphorous (0.63-2.47 mg/kg), Available potassium (0.35-0.85 ppm), NH4+ (34.8-45.0 mg/L), NO3- (25.7-40.6 mg/L), %Sand (50.8-67.8%), %Clay (11.7-25.0%), and %Silt (9.96-24.3%). The texture of the soils were generally sandy loam. In this study, the scientifically measured soil properties showed significant variations (p<0.05) in some of the soils properties except EC, available K, %TN, NH4+, %Clay, and Exchangeable K. Soil properties such as organic matter, electrical conductivity, available potassium and available phosphorous were below the minimum required value of soils for cocoa cultivation. In addition, total nitrogen and pH were above the recommended limit required for cocoa production. However, percent organic carbon and exchangeable potassium were within their respective critical limits for cocoa production. A guided application of fertilizer and manure is recommended to cocoa farmers for improved cocoa productivity.

 

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