Biomass contribution and nutrient extraction by Theobroma cacao L. in asexually propagated plantations in Baracoa
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The cycling of biomass and nutrients generated by plants plays a fundamental role in the sustainability of agricultural systems, especially in those crops that do not depend on external fertilizers. The study evaluated biomass and nutrient extraction in Theobroma cacao L. plantations propagated by clonal mixture in Baracoa, Cuba, with the aim of optimizing crop management and promoting sustainable practices. The problem lies in the high dependence on external fertilizers and nutrient losses through leaching, which affects the economy and the environment. Plantations of 35 years old were selected in three sites, under the shade of Gliricidia sepium, and different plant organs (leaves, stem, branches, fruits, roots and litter) were analyzed to determine their contribution to biomass and nutrient extraction (N, P₂O₅, K₂O). The results showed that the main stem (29.33%), roots (18.07%) and primary branches (17.90%) were the major contributors to the total biomass, while fruits, although economically important, accounted for only 14.58%. Regarding nutrient extraction, fruits mainly demanded potassium (69.3 kg/ha), followed by nitrogen (30.0 kg/ha) and phosphorus (12.2 kg/ha). Leaves, roots and stem also showed significant nutrient extraction. It was concluded that structural organs are key in biomass accumulation, while fruits are the greatest nutrient demanders, highlighting the need for proper fertilization management to maintain crop productivity and sustainability.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Those authors who have publications with this journal accept the following terms of the License Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0):
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material
The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
The journal is not responsible for the opinions and concepts expressed in the works, they are the sole responsibility of the authors. The Editor, with the assistance of the Editorial Committee, reserves the right to suggest or request advisable or necessary modifications. They are accepted to publish original scientific papers, research results of interest that have not been published or sent to another journal for the same purpose.
The mention of trademarks of equipment, instruments or specific materials is for identification purposes, and there is no promotional commitment in relation to them, neither by the authors nor by the publisher.
How to Cite
References
Guzmán, G., & Levy, A. (2009). Producción de biomasa y nutrientes que genera la poda en sistemas agroforestales sucesionales y tradicionales con cacao, Alto Beni, Bolivia. Acta Nova, 4(2-3), 263-280.
Nair, P. K., & Ramachandran, K. (1997). Agroforestería (1ra ed.). Centro de Agroforestería para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo. https://www.sidalc.net/search/Record/KOHA-OAI-ECOSUR:14686/Description
Salgado-Mora, M. G., Espinosa-Zaragoza, S., Molina, J. L., Moreno-Limón, S., & López-Olguín, J. F. (2009). Cuantif icación, descomposición y contenido nutrimental de hojarasca en dos sistemas agroforestales con cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). Quehacer Cient. Chiapas, 1, 10-15.