Plantation Crops

Method of fertilizer application

Ring method

• Fertilizers may be applied uniformly around the base of the tree upto a radius of 75cm leaving 0.50 m at the base of the tree and forked and incorporated into the soil, to a depth of about 15cm (6").
• The bands are to be widened with age. However, in mature cocoa ( When canopy is properly closed) fertilizer should be broadcast on the soil surface through out the field.

Irrigation in cocoa

• Cocoa plants are sensitive to drought. Young trees requires more frequent irrigation.

Summer irrigation :

• Cocoa requires continuous supply of moisture for optimum growth and yield. If adequate water supply is not ensured during summer yields will be reduced drastically.
• Interval of irrigation in South India during summer : Weekly intervals
• When as a mixed crop with arecanut : Irrigate with 175 liters of water as per the schedule given hereunder;
November – December :Once in a week
January – March : once in 6 days
April – May : Once in 4- 5 days


Drip Irrigation : Cocoa responds well to drip irrigation. @ 20 litres per tree per da