Yield development and nutrient dynamics in cocoa-gliricidia agroforests of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

In the Napu and Palolo Valleys of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, a chronosequence sought to identify the relationship between tree age, nutrient dynamics and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) yield in association with gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.). The chronosequence surveyed cocoa-gliricidia plantations with a maximum age of 8 and 15 years, respectively, in Napu and Palolo. The characteristics of the valleys were also quite different, with an altitude of 1,139–1,166 m a.s.l. in Napu and 592–651 m a.s.l. in Palolo. Annual rainfall was 1,543 mm in Napu and 1,811 mm in Palolo. The yield of cocoa increased fairly steadily, with growth rates higher in Palolo than in Napu. Whereas a higher level of bean P led to a higher single bean weight (g d.w.) in Napu, a higher level of bean K led to a lower single bean weight in Palolo. The relatively high level of K appeared to have coincided with immature growth stages of cocoa. As trees matured, their increased rate of C assimilation was seen in the form of higher single bean weight. We found no statistically significant change in the soil’s carbon-nutrient levels when viewed over the entire timeframe of 8 and 15 years in the 2 valleys. In addition, there was no correlation between the soil’s carbon-nutrient levels and the single bean weight. Nor did we find any correlation between the soil’s carbon-nutrient levels impacting the bean’s carbon-nutrient levels. Of regression lines, P had the steepest slope and was considered the most limited nutrient relative to the other nutrients although its correlation was insignificant. The farmers’ estimation of cocoa yield was about 68% less than our measured bean weight per area per year (kg d.w. ha−1 year−1), implying a more refined definition of ripeness. In a cocoa agroforest, income could be supplemented by durable tree crops instead of growing gliricidia which is removed after several years of growth. This removal and the shallow rooting of cocoa indicate that the cocoa production would be sustainable only in the immediate future.