Experience on the use of phosphate fertilizer in cocoa cultivation on inland soils of Peninsular Malaysia
1992
Yew, C.C. | Chee, K.H. (I.O.I. Research Centre, Batang Melaka, Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia))
A series of trials in Sagil Estate, North Johore, commencing in the late 1960s, has shown that cocoa grown under inland soils of inherent poor fertility responds positively to phosphate fertilization throughout the life of the tree. Initial application as basal dressing (110g P2O5/tree) and planting hole soil mix (30g P2O5/tree) results in vigorous plant establishment. Phosphate requirement in the first year (9gP2O5/tree) and second year (41gP2O5/tree) after planting is low as the root mass is small and the phosphate applied earlier is still available to the tree. High dosages (150-200g P2O5/tree/year) are required from the third to sixth year of planting, occasioned by the rapid increasing vegetative growth and initiation of fruiting. From the seventh year onwards a nominal maintaining dose of 50-70g P2O5/tree/year is sufficient. Other nutrients being adequate, with this phosphate input the cocoa starts to yield on the third year producing 500kg dry bean/ha and reaching a consistent level of 1200-1600kg dry bean/ha from the eighth year onwards
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