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    Selected shade tree species improved cocoa yields in low-input agroforestry systems in Ghana

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    Journal Article (2.946Mb)
    Date
    2022-10
    Author
    Asitoakor, B.K.
    Vaast, P.
    Raebild, A.
    Ravn, H.P.
    Eziah, V.Y.
    Owusu, K.
    Mensah, E.O.
    Asare, R.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Peer Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    CONTEXT Cocoa agroforestry systems differ in the diversity of shade tree species composition. Though cocoa benefits from shade, there is a lack of species-specific information on shade trees that enhance soil fertility and yield. OBJECTIVE We examined how soil characteristics and cocoa yield were affected by eight commonly retained forest tree species, compared with unshaded control plots over a 3-year period. METHODS Using 74 circular plots from 10 cocoa farms in the Western region of Ghana, we sampled soils from two random points within each plot. Soil nutrients at the beginning and end of the study were analyzed, and yield was expressed as number of harvested pods and dry weight of beans per hectare. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Levels of soil K and Ca were below recommended values. Although soil available phosphorus (P) was higher in control plots than under shade trees, yield around shade trees were higher than on unshaded plots. Cocoa yield differences between shade tree species and control plots were significant only in the major crop season, but not in the minor crop season. Cocoa yields under Cedrela odorata, Khaya ivorensis, Terminalia superba and Milicia excelsa were significantly higher than on control plots. Hence, the inclusion of specific shade tree species in cocoa agroforestry systems is important to maintain high yields in cocoa systems with low inputs. SIGNIFICANCE To our knowledge, this study presents one of the first attempt to assess the impacts of specific shade tree species on soil characteristics and cocoa yield.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103476
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7737
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Richard Asarehttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6798-7821
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103476
    Research Themes
    Natural Resource Management
    IITA Subjects
    Agribusiness; Agronomy; Cocoa; Food Security; Nutrition; Plant Breeding; Plant Production; Soil Fertility
    Agrovoc Terms
    Theobroma Cacao; On-Farm Research; Soil Fertility; Phosphorus; Yields; Harvesting; Nutrients; Agroforestry Systems
    Regions
    Africa; West Africa
    Countries
    Ghana
    Hubs
    Headquarters and Western Africa Hub
    Journals
    Agricultural Systems
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4835
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