ORGANIC NUTRITION IN CACAO PLANTATIONS (Theobroma cacao L.) IN TABASCO, MÉXICO

Abstract

The effect of three organic sources of nutrients: vermicompost, commercial compost and compost obtained by the producer on the physical and chemical properties of the soil in two Theobroma cacao L. was evaluated, during different times of the year and two different ways of application. A 3X2 factorial design and a control without fertilizer were applied. The use of organic sources increased the content of organic matter, N, P, K and Ca, and elevated the pH in the two cacao plantations. During the drought season a reduction in the OM, N, Ca contents, and pH value, was recorded; however, the fertilizers improved the nutritional contents of the cacao soils when they were applied buried.