World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 7 (2): 218-223, 2011 ISSN 1817-3047 IDOSI Publications, 2011

Soil Fertility Evaluation for Cocoa Production in Southeastern Adamawa State, Nigeria
1

O.S. Ibiremo, 1M.A. Daniel, 1G.O. Iremiren and 2O. Fagbola

Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria 2 Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: In order to study suitability of soils of southeastern Adamawa state of Nigeria for cocoa production, a stratified-random sampling technique was used in taking soil samples up to 75 cm depth at Toungo and Ganye southeastern fringe of Adamawa state. Analytical results indicated that the soils in the area are sandy loam. The sand content ranged from 665.04 737.67 gKgG1 while the silt and the clay content ranged from 61.13 159.12 and 100.87 233.07 gKgG1 soil respectively. The organic carbon at Toungo was 48.48 and 68.46 % and higher that those of Ganye Jagaba and Ganye Gurum- Pawo respectively. The total N at Ganye (Gurum-Pawo) and Ganye (Jagaba) averaged 0.04gkgG1 while that of Toungo was 0.07 gKg.G1 The available P at Ganye (Gurum-Pawo and Jagaba) was 6.98gkgG1 soil while that of Toungo was 3.93 g/KgG1 soil. From the results, nitrogen and phosphorus appear to be the most critical nutrients in the soils of the area and therefore would require an average of 281.22 Kg urea haG1 and 60.60 Kg SSP haG1 to bring up the nitrogen and phosphorus to levels required for cocoa production. The values of the nutrients obtained from the three sites are below the critical levels for most soil requirements for cocoa production. Key words: Soil fertility % Evaluation % Cocoa production % Organic carbon % Total N INTRODUCTION In Nigeria, cocoa is a major export crop with revenue of at least 34 billion naira derived annually from export of cocoa beans alone, besides revenue from cocoa by-product like butter, cake, liquor and powder [1]. Recently there has been policy shift of the Nigerian Government to accord cocoa production which had been hitherto the mainstay of our economy the right priority. The National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC) was established to provide agrochemicals at subsidized rates for the control of pests and diseases of cocoa to rehabilitee and regenerate old and unproductive cocoa plantations together with opening new farms and, sensitize and train farmers in the new technologies on cocoa production The federal government funded these activities and this led to the cocoa producing states becoming proactive and interested in expanding cocoa production. Smyth [2] observed that unsuitable soil conditions, particularly those of a physical nature this may not be amenable to improvement, may impose a limitation on production regardless of the quality of the planting material used or the level of husbandry employed. This implies that planting cocoa on unsuitable soils will among other things leads to low productivity and poor economic returns. Cocoa is a tap-rooted plant and requires deep well-drained soils, free from iron concretions, high in nutrient content and topsoil rich in organic matter [3]. The Adamawa state Government therefore commissioned the study of the soil along Southeastern part of the state for possible cocoa production. The two local government areas investigated were Toungo and Ganye which are located toward the ridges between Nigeria and Cameroon republic in the southern fringe of the state. The objective of this work was to assess the fertility status of the soils of the areas for cocoa production. MATERIALS AND METHODS The soils of Toungo (Longitude 12E, Latitude 8N) and Ganye (12E, Latitude 9N) located towards the ridges between Nigeria and Cameroon Republic in the southeastern part of Adamawa state were studied for their physical and chemical properties (Fig. 1). The soil classified as Entisol [4], were formed from the sedimentary rocks of sandstone, mudstone and shale. Generally, the soils are shallow and rocky. The area is nearly level to gentle undulating plains with iron pans and few rock outcrops. The two sites have guinea savanna vegetation.

Correspoding Author: O.S. Ibiremo, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan. E-mail: femiibiremo@yahoo.com.

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Fig. 1: Map showing the soil sampling sites in Admawa State, Nigeria Field Soil Sampling and Analysis: One site selected in Toungo Local Government, was subdivided into three blocks (A, B and C) according to their position on the slope. Soil samples were taken using stratified-random sampling technique. In Ganye Local Government (Jagaba and Dallebi-Gurum-Pawo), site has plain to gentle slope in some few places. Soil samples were taken at 0 15, 15 30, 30 45, 45 60, 60 75cm using a soil auger. They were air-dried, sieved in 2 mm sieve and analysed according to standard analytical procedures [5]. Particle size was determined by Bouyoucos hydrometer method, soil pH was measured in 1:1 soil-water ratio using the EDT BA350 digital pH meter while organic carbon was determined by the wet digestion dichromate acid-oxidation method. Total N was determined using Kjeldahl digestion method and available P by Bray P1 method. This involved the addition of 15ml of 0.03 NHF and 25ml of 0.5 N HCl to 460ml of water solution. Exchangeable cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+) were extracted with 1 N ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) buffered 219 at pH 7.0. The soil extract ratio was 1:6. Exchangeable K and Na in the extracts were read through the Jenway flame photometer (model PFP7) and Ca and Mg were read on Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific 200A model. Exchangeable acidity was extracted with I N KCl and determined by titration with 0.05 N NaOH using phenolphthalein indicator while the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was by summation method and percent base saturation was calculated in follows:
% Base saturation = Exchangeable bases 100 x ECEC 1

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In Toungo, all areas towards point B, top of the slope are generally shallow in terms of depth and maximum depth was less than 60 cm. A flood plain was encountered just before Maitani village.

World J. Agric. Sci., 7 (2): 218-223, 2011

The width stretched up to 300 m while the length extended up to several kilometers. The moisture regime in all sampling points except the flood plain had dry topsoil (030 cm) and moist below 30 cm. Earthworm castes abound in all the areas toward the flood plain, this indicates optimum aeration. A lot of animal trampling was observed in the area, which makes it necessary to practice deep tillage so as to break the soil crumbs. Within the floodplain, the soils were poorly drained from the topsoil to a depth beyond 60 cm. Mottles were observed down the profiles within the flood plain beyond 60cm. The soil that is well drained is best for cocoa. Flooded or waterlogged soil does not give room for good root development and exchange of gases. Hardy [6] and Smyth [2] both observed that excess of moisture and consequent shortage of oxygen inhibits root development of cocoa. The major limitation in Toungo site is depth of less than 60cm in most places except few points along the floodplain. Cocoa requires a minimum depth of 100-150 cm for a well developed and deep root system which will ensure a good anchorage against tropical storm and adequate moisture supply during the dry season [7]. Although, Hardy [8] had earlier given a general rule of 1.5m as minimum soil depth for optimum cocoa growth, nevertheless, where all other aspects are particularly favourable soils only 1m deep may be acceptable. In block A of Toungo, the soil is sandy loam and the level of sand
Table 1: Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the project site at Toungo

is very high while clay level is very low indicating low nutrient holding capacity. The soil is acid with an average pH of 5.35. The organic carbon (O.C.), total N and available P had average values of 0.525 g/Kg soil, 0.38g/kg soil and 5.99 mg/Kg soil respectively (Table 1). All these values are below critical values for cocoa. The exchangeable bases are adequate in concentration. The situation in site B is not different from block A. The soil is acidic with pH of 4.76 and is very sandy with low clay content. Organic Carbon, total N and available P are very low with average values of 0.76 g/Kg soil, 0.041 g/Kg soil and 6.99 mg/Kg soil respectively (Table 1). The exchangeable cations are adequate. In block C the soil is very sandy with low clay, while the pH is lower (4.69) than the other sites in Toungo. The organic carbon, total N and available P were very low with average values of 1.30g/kg soil, 0.079kgkg soil and 2.8mg/kg soil respectively (Table 1). These values would support good cocoa production [9]. Fertilizer recommendations for cocoa according to the soil nutrient level indicated that the site has an average of 0.06N equivalent to 1,200 Kg/ha and cocoa requires 0.12% N (i.e. 2,400 Kg/ N/ha). Assuming 10% availability 120 kg N/ha, the resultant difference will be supplied by 266.67 Kg Urea/ha (5.33 bags). The soil P value is 5.09 mg P/kg soil (16P205/Kg soil) at 0-15cm. When this value is subtracted from the critical value of 10mg P/kg

Chemical characteristics Physical characteristics ------------------------------------Sand Block Sampling Depth A 0-15 15-30 30-45 45-60 60-75 Mean B 0-15 15-30 30-45 45-60 60-75 Mean C 0-15 15-30 30-45 Mean g/kg 767.00 767.00 767.00 655.20 739.05 827.00 782.40 542.40 776.00 731.95 660.00 640.00 716.00 606.00 626.00 649.60 Silt g/kg 153.80 153.80 113.80 165.60 146.75 93.80 98.40 243.20 24.00 114.85 85.00 48.00 12.00 50.00 10.00 41.60 Clay g /kg 79.20 79.20 119.20 179.20 114.20 79.20 119.20 299.20 200.00 174.40 252.00 312.00 272.00 344.00 364.00 308.80 pH 5.76 5.38 5.19 5.08 5.35 4.86 4.44 4.81 4.92 4.96 4.50 4.59 4.75 4.70 4.92 4.69 O.C g/kg 0.59 0.66 0.49 0.33 0.52 0.52 0.51 0.44 0.51 0.76 0.66 0.58 0.90 0.96 0.96 0.94 Total N Avail. P g/kg 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.38 0.08 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.15 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.06 mg/kg 6.58 4.89 4.66 7.82 5.99 5.61 7.34 6.32 8.68 6.99 3.07 3.32 1.57 3.95 2.37 2.86 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exch. Cations cmol/kg ------------------------------------------K+ 0.16 0.13 0.15 0.49 0.23 0.19 0.36 0.42 0.46 0.36 0.25 0.92 0.54 0.95 0.75 0.68 Ca2+ 0.67 0.54 0.58 0.63 0.61 0.48 0.83 1.32 2.16 1.20 2.67 3.26 3.07 3.35 3.13 3.10 Mg2+ 0.33 0.29 0.28 0.35 0.31 0.21 0.11 0.27 0.32 0.20 0.39 0.41 0.42 0.37 0.43 0.40 Na+ 0.45 0.28 0.28 0.32 0.33 0.29 031 0.41 0.48 0.37 0.49 0.55 0.85 0.70 0.53 0.62 Al3+ 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.19 0.08 0.17 0.30 0.27 0.16 0.22 0.31 0.21 0.17 0.15 0.25 0.22 ECEC Base Sat. % 1.65 1.29 1.36 1.96 1.19 1.25 1.91 2.69 3.58 12.50 4.11 5.35 5.05 5.52 5.09 18.13 21.03 17.57 14.60 15.80 17.25 17.25 14.46 17.12 24.81 16.57 27.44 26.04 26.04 27.81 5.42 26.55

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Table 2: Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the project site at Ganye- Jagaba Chemical characteristics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exch. Exch. Organic Cations cmol/kg Acidity cmol/kg ECEC Carbon Total Avail. -------------------------------- -------------------- cmol/kg Base pH g/kg N g/kg P mg/kg K+ Ca2+ Mg2+ Na+ H+ Al3+ soil Saturation% 4.53 4.53 4.60 4.68 4.62 4.59 1.35 0.79 0.53 0.47 0.34 0.69 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.04 5.13 4.27 4.43 7.53 8.53 5.98 0.49 0.48 0.48 0.55 0.57 0.51 1.41 1.63 1.61 1.66 1.40 1.54 0.29 0.34 0.31 0.32 0.32 0.32 2.76 2.70 2.57 3.42 2.51 2.79 0.18 0.12 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.19 0.27 0.27 0.28 0.30 0.29 0.28 5.20 5.54 5.45 16.46 5.31 16.84 6.63 31.34 30.57 34.68 30.05 30.65

Block

Physical characteristics -------------------------------Sampling Sand Silt Clay Depth g/kg g/kg g/kg 690.00 670.00 557.60 680.00 727.6 665.04 174.00 174.00 143.20 124.00 173.20 157.68 136.00 156.00 299.20 196.00 99.20 177.20

Ganye 0-15cm Jagaba 15-30 Block A 30-45 45-60 60-75 Mean

Table 3: Physical and Chemical Properties of the project site at Ganye-Gurum-Pawo Chemical characteristics Physical characteristics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exch. Cations cmol/kg Sand Silt Clay g O.C Total N Avail. P ------------------------------------------- ECEC Base g/kg g/kg /kg pH g/kg g/kg mg/kg K+ Ca2+ Mg2+ Na+ Al3+ comlkg soil Sat. % 870.00 845.00 875.00 850.00 826.00 853.30 515.20 640.80 650.80 660.80 702.40 634.00 695.20 722.40 760.80 726.13 776.00 104.00 109.00 89.00 66.50 44.50 82.50 385.60 243.80 244.80 242.86 198.40 263.08 165.60 138.40 92.80 132.27 88.00 26.00 46.00 36.00 83.00 130.00 64.20 99.20 116.40 104.40 96.40 99.20 97.72 139.20 139.20 146.40 141.60 136.00 4.27 4.38 5.08 5.45 5.07 4.85 4.86 5.22 5.20 5.19 4.69 5.03 5.13 5.08 4.13 4.78 4.91 0.99 0.51 0.40 0.40 0.48 0.56 0.32 0.38 0.37 0.33 0.25 0.36 0.37 0.42 0.48 0.32 1.57 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.11 11.83 12.00 8.86 6.95 7.19 9.33 6.08 10.42 7.93 5.44 8.13 7.60 7.89 5.36 7.81 7.02 22.89 0.14 0.12 0.19 0.17 0.18 0.16 0.12 0.24 0.17 0.10 0.09 0.14 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.11 2.48 0.88 0.71 0.77 1.27 1.90 1.11 1.45 1.49 1.21 0.93 0.89 1.19 1.50 1.10 0.82 1.14 0.37 0.32 0.33 0.33 0.35 0.33 0.33 0.26 0.31 0.26 0.21 0.19 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.28 0.27 0.64 0.56 0.68 1.10 0.26 0.64 0.18 0.14 0.15 0.17 0.19 0.16 0.13 0.14 0.15 0.14 0.17 0.07 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.20 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.06 9.60 2.01 6.80 3.16 3.06 7.68 2.36 2.76 2.17 1.79 1.73 6.70 2.18 1.89 1.79 6.75 3.48 26.20 20.37 28.74 35.61 34.89 29.16 19.28 31.08 27.02 26.40 29.71 26.70 29.13 22.80 21.80 24.58 44.22

Block A

Sampling Depth 0-15cm 15-30 30-45 45-60 60-75 Mean 0-15 15-30 30-45 45-60 60-75 Mean 0-15 15-30 30-45 Mean 0-15

Pilot Project site

ECEC Effective Cation Exchange Capacity, O.C- Organic Carbon

soil, 22.48kg P205/ha will supply the difference of 11.24mg P2O5 kg soil. The amount of SSP will be 124.89kg or 68.12kg Sokoto rock phosphate (2.5 bags). Potassium may not be too necessary in this site as the value obtained was just at the critical level. However, a little of about 31kg Muriate of potash (MOP) could be applied per hectare. The soils of Ganye-Jagaba were averagely deep compared with that of Toungo. Although, it was possible to sample up to 90cm, this is still below the recommended depth required for cocoa. The soil of the area is very heavy and poorly drained, as mottles were observed in the various depths of sampling. This area is not recommended for cocoa plantation. In Ganye-Jagaba, the soil is sandy loam. The clay content is extremely too 221

low, with an average of 177.28 g/Kg across the soil depth while the pH is equally very low indicating acidity with an average range of 4.53 -4.68 across the various depths considered (Table 2). Total N, organic C and available P have average values of 0.049g/Kg soil, 0.69g/kg soil and 5.90mgP/kg soil across the soil depths respectively. All these fall below the critical level required for cocoa cultivation according to Smyth [2] and Wood [10]. However, the levels of exchangeable cations such as K, Ca and Mg are adequate (Table 2). The fertilizer recommendation for cocoa according to soil chemical characteristics in Ganye-Jagba revealed that the total nitrogen value of the soil of this site at 0-15cm (plough layer) is 0.07% N equivalent to 1,400 KgN/ha. The nitrogen requirement of cocoa is 0.12% N equivalent

World J. Agric. Sci., 7 (2): 218-223, 2011

to 2,400 KgN/ha. 10% availability assumed 100kgN would be required to be supplied. If urea is used as N source 222kg (4.44 bags) of it will be required to supply the 100kgN/ha. The phosphorus value obtained was 5.13mgP/kg soil equivalent to 11.74 mg P205 kgG1soil at 0 - 15cm. When this value was deducted from the critical level (10mg P/Kg soil) which is 22.9mg P205 KgG1soil, the difference between the critical level and the soil value was 11.16mg P205kgG1soil. The soil will require 22.30 Kg/ha, which is obtainable from single super phosphate or Sokoto rock phosphate (1 bag of either). No need for K fertilizer because the value obtained is adequate, 0.47 cmolKgG1 soil. In Ganye-Dallebbi-Gurumpawo, the site is of plain to gentle slope in some few places. The site is deep compared with other two sites as samples could be taken beyond 90cm. The soils were well drained except some few spots along the valley bottom where mottles were observed in various depths. The soils were very sandy; this poses serious limitations in terms of moisture retention capacity. In addition, a small fringe along the surrounding mountains is very gravelly as a result of active weathering activities. This area is recommended for establishing cacao plantation. In block A, the amount of clay was 136gkgG1 soil and average pH value was 4.85. The average available P, total N and organic C content were 9.33 mgkgG1soil, 0.04gkgG1soil and 0.04 gkgG1 soil respectively (Table 3). The soil in this site is very sandy; it shows it will hold less water and nutrients. Exchangeable bases were generally low compared with their critical values [9]. These could be regulated with addition of fertilizers. The clay content in block B was very low with an average of 97.72 g kgG1 soil and the sand is 634gkgG1soil. The soil is sandy loam. The pH is 5.03 and the value of available P was7.60 mgkgG1 soil. Similar to block A, all the exchangeable bases were low. The average values for total N and organic carbon were 0.07g kgG1 soil and 0.36gkgG1 respectively. Site C has 141.6gkgG1 clay while the sand is 726.12gkgG1 soil, which means the clay is low while the sand content is very high. The average pH is 4.78. The available P is 7.02 mgkg G1 soil, which is far below the critical P level (Table 3). All exchangeable bases were low [7]. The average soil test values for total N in the area is 0.04% which translates to 800kghaG1 with 10% availability giving 80kgNhaG1. The N requirement of cocoa is 0.09% with 10% availability giving 240kg NhaG1. The difference of 160kghaG1 can be supplied by addition of 355.55kg of urea haG1(7.11bags). The potassium is 0.12cmolkgG1 soil

and cocoa requires 0-30 cmolkgG1 soil. The difference between these values, converted to ppm, is 31.28ppm. Therefore, 75.07kghaG1 will be required to meet the deficiency in this soil, which means 125.12 muriate of potash haG1 (2.5 bags). Based on the classification of Smyth and Montgomery, [11] soils of southwestern Nigeria were grouped into four main classes namely: good cocoa soils, fairly good soils, poor cocoa soils and very poor cocoa soils. The soils in two local government areas fell within the poor and very poor soils classes otherwise called marginal soils. CONCLUSION Generally, the soils in the area (South-eastern part of Adamawa State) are marginally suitable for cocoa production and will require special management techniques to obtain optimal productivity of cocoa. The physical and chemical characteristics of the sites indicated that the soils are critically deficient in nutrients required for cocoa production. Therefore, cocoa production can only be possible through the use of external inputs such as fertilizer application based on the results of soil test in addition to appropriate shade management and irrigation to complement the natural endowment in the area. REFERENCES 1. Akinwale, O., 2006. Prospects and challenges in local production of cocoa as raw materials in Nigeria Cocoa Mirror, 1: 9-11. Smyth, A.J., 1966. The Selection of Soils for Cocoa, Soils Bulletin No 5, Rome, FAO. Opeke, L.K., 2005. Tropical Tree Crops Spectrum Books Ltd. Pub. Woye and sons Nigeria Ltd Ilorin, pp: 327. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, 1982. IITA. Laboratory Manual 2nd edition 70. Klingebiel, A.A. and P.H. Montgomery, 1961. Land-capability classification. Agric. Handbook 210. Soil conservation service, U.S Govt. Print office, Washington D.C. Hardy, F., 1960. Cacao Manual, Inter-American Inst. Agric. Sci: Turrialba, Costa Rica. Egbe, N.E. and T.I. Omotoso, 1971. Nutrition of cocoa in Nigeria, Annual Reports of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Ibadan.

2. 3.

5. 4.

6. 7.

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Hardy, F., 1958. Cacao Soils Proc of Soil and crop Science Soc. of Florida, 18: 75-87. 9. Wessel, M., 1966. The soils of Gambari Experimental station. CRIN Annual Report. 10. Wood, G.A.R., 1989. Cocoa Environment. In Cocoa (Tropical Agricultural Series) co- published by Longman scientific and technical Eds., Wood, G.A.R and Lass, R.A, pp: 38-79.

8.

11. Smyth, A.J. and R.F. Montgomery, 1962. The Soils and Land use of Central western Nigeria,Ibadan, Western Nigeria, The Government Printers, pp: 265.

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