EVALUATION OF THE AGROFORESTRY CACAO (Theobroma cacao L.) SYSTEM THROUGH INDICATORS OF SOIL QUALITY IN TABASCO, MEXICO

Abstract

With the aim of understanding the nutritional state of the soil in a cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry system (AFS), soil samples were taken at 0-30 and 30-50 cm. Soil profiles were performed to classify them, and sampling for macrofauna, chemical quality indicators and density of root length (DRL) at a depth of 1.60 m, every 20 cm, in two seasons (drought and rain). The results allowed classifying the soil as Gleyic Cambisol (CMgl). The nutrient diagnosis showed low values in general, however, the organic matter and nitrogen were higher in the humid season at 0-30 cm; phosphorus was higher in the dry season at 0-60 cm; the other parameters didn’t show differences between seasons. The bases of exchange showed lower values in the two seasons, with magnesium and potassium (K) being very low, considering that the last is the most demanded nutrient by cacao. The macrofauna in general was very scarce, although during the humid season more presence was noticed. The DRL revealed an important exploration of the root biomass down to 100 cm depth.