NDLI: Early growth and nutritional response to resource competition in cocoa-shade intercropped systems

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Isaac, M. E. Ulzen Appiah, F. Timmer, V. R. Quashie Sam, S. J.
Copyright Year	2007
Abstract	Intercropping is often promoted for effective mutualism between species, thus compensating for external inputs. However, for optimal farm design resulting in superior production and nutrition, an accurate assessment of plant inter- and intra-specific competition is required. In predominant shade tree-cocoa (Theobroma cacao) systems, inconclusive evidence remains on species interactions, limitations to resource availability and subsequent growth and nutritional response, particularly in early growth. We examined cocoa biomass and foliar nutrition as well as nutrient supply through rates of decomposition and N mineralization after 1-year growth. Our approach employed fertilization and mixed planting treatments in an additive design of cocoa in monoculture (control), under artificial shade, and intercropped under two separate shade species (Terminalia superba and Newbouldia laevis). Intercropping had no effect on cocoa biomass production in comparison to monoculture cocoa. However, artificial shading stimulated foliage and root production both with and without fertilization, suggesting strong effects of light regulation on growth in the absence of belowground competition. Nutritionally, intercropping suppressed K uptake in cocoa foliage as K concentration was reduced by 20–25%, signifying dilution of this nutrient, presumably due to interspecific competition for mobile elements. Foliar N content under N. laevis was raised, where N concentration kept up with growth under this intercropped species. Intercropping also delayed decomposition rates, suggesting slower but sustained release of available nutrients into the topsoil. Cocoa under artificial shade, both with and without fertilization, exhibited the greatest nutrient responses as compared to unfertilized monoculture cocoa, where P uptake was stimulated most (175 and 112%), followed by K (69 and 71%), and then N (54 and 42%). Intercropping with shade trees failed to increase cocoa biomass, however, nutrient uptake was sustained for N and P, suggesting low interspecific competition. When fertilizers are undesirable or unavailable, intercropping of appropriately selected shade trees will not competitively suppress early growth of cocoa but will improve light regulation and nutritional status of cocoa saplings.
Starting Page	243
Ending Page	254
Page Count	12
File Format	PDF
ISSN	0032079X
Journal	Plant and Soil
Volume Number	298
Issue Number	1-2
e-ISSN	15735036
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Netherlands
Publisher Date	2007-08-15
Publisher Place	Dordrecht
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Agroforestry Ghana Leaf decomposition Mineralization Theobroma cacao Vector analysis Ecology Plant Physiology Soil Science & Conservation Plant Sciences
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Soil Science Plant Science

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