Physical and Chemical Properties of Cocoa Pod Husk Dumpsites in Etung Cocoa Farms Nigeria

Abstract

Assessment of some physical and chemical properties of cocoa pod husk dumpsites in Etung, Nigeria, was carried out to ascertain the particle size distribution, nutrients, and some soil fertility indices. Five cocoa-growing communities were purposely selected for sampling. Soil samples were collected at 0–25 cm and 25–50 cm in each cocoa farm dumpsite and non-dumpsites in the cocoa plantations. A total of 20 samples were collected, processed, and subjected to standard laboratory analysis. The results obtained indicated that there was no difference in soil textural classes between dumpsites and non-dumpsites on the plantations. pH in dumpsites ranged from 4.2 to 6.0, and plantation soils ranged from 3.9 to 5.6 Electrical conductivity. Surface dumpsite soils ranged from 0.0068 to 0.941 ds/m, and plantation soils ranged from 0.084 to 0.0816 ds/m. Total N in dumpsites ranged from 1.14–1.98% and 0.73–1.08% in plantation soils. P in dumpsites ranged from 9.61 to 13.42 mg/kg and 5.98 to 11.34 mg/kg in plantation soils. Exchange cations were higher in dumpsites than plantation soils. The students T-test (t-0.05) showed significantly higher pH, N, P, organic C, and CEC in dumpsite sites than plantation soils and significantly higher surface than subsurface soil depth. Though nutrient levels were higher in cocoa pod husk dumpsites, the levels were within the sufficiency threshold levels. The higher organic carbon content of cocoa pod husk dumpsites is an indicator of higher soil organic matter content for good sorption and retention of both macro- and micro-cationic nutrients to prevent their excess release that could degrade the soils.