Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa is a commercial beverage crop being grown in several countries in Africa, South America, and Asia. The crop is raised as an understory component in agroforestry systems all over the world, while it is considered as suitable component crop in coconut, arecanut, or oil palm-based cropping systems in parts of Asia. Being grown on a variety of soils which are basically poor in nutrition, soil test-based nutrient management is vital not only to obtain optimum growth and productivity but also to arrest soil degradation. A review of the various studies in different countries revealed that soil fertility status, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem functions were improved when cocoa was a component crop in agroforestry systems or palm-based cropping systems. Research work done by various institutions on technological interventions to enhance soil health including integrated nutrient management, conservation measures, cropping system approach, crop residue recycling, biofertilizers, and carbon sequestration are reviewed and future strategies formulated.