Recommendations and fertilizer rates for cocoa

Cocoa is derived from small to medium-sized trees belonging to the genus Theobroma (Theobroma L.) of the Malvaceae family. This cultivated plant is native to the tropical regions of South and Central America.

The bulk of cocoa production is concentrated in tropical countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Ecuador. Worldwide cocoa production typically hovers around 4-5 million tonnes annually. Approximately 95% of the world’s cocoa supply is produced by 5-6 million smallholder farmers across Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America,who manage farms ranging from 2 to 5 hectares in size. Overall, there are three main cocoa varieties: Forastero, Criollo,and Trinitario.

West Africa accounts for 65-73% of total cocoa production. Most cocoa trees begin bearing pods in their 4th-5th year and can continue to do so for another 30 years with proper care. Generally, average cocoa yields can range from 300 to 2000 kg per hectare (268-1180 lbs/acre), depending on the region, variety, agricultural practices employed, planting density,and tree age.

It’s important to note that, depending on the variety, each cocoa tree can produce around 30 pods. A typical pod contains 20 to 50 beans. To produce one pound of cocoa, 400 dried beans are required (1 kg of cocoa requires approximately 880 dried beans).

Cocoa is a tropical plant that thrives within a temperature range of 21°C to 32°C. The optimal temperature for growth is around 25°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C can harm the plant. Cocoa prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. Highly acidic or alkaline soils can negatively impact plant growth and development.

Nutrient-deficient soils limit cocoa growth and yield, even if other conditions are ideal. Foliar fertilization of cocoa can significantly influence yield and make marginal soils suitable for cultivation.

During the early stages, in the BBCH phase 33-39 (Stem elongation), cocoa has the highest demand for nitrogen. It is essential for the vegetative growth of trees, stimulating branch and leaf development. This macronutrient is also a component of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which are necessary for plant cell division. In the early stages, when the plant is actively multiplying its cells, the need for nitrogen is particularly high. Therefore, we recommend foliar feeding of cocoa with Wonder Leaf Grass fertilizer, which contains 10% nitrogen in its composition, at a rate of 4-5 l/ha, and Wonder Leaf Violet (30% total nitrogen) at a rate of 2-4 kg/ha.

Cocoa also has a significant demand for zinc. This element is crucial for normal growth, development, and the proper functioning of various physiological processes. The ideal way to ensure an adequate supply of zinc is through the application of Wonder Leaf Mono Zn 8 (8% chelated zinc) fertilizer, recommended at a rate of 1-2 l/ha.

In addition, fertilizers containing copper and iron play a vital role for cocoa plants during this stage. Iron is responsible for chlorophyll synthesis, which is essential for photosynthesis and gives leaves their green color (Wonder Leaf Mono Fe 10, containing 8.8% chelated iron, is recommended at a rate of 0.5-1 l/ha). Copper is essential for catalyzing chemical reactions in cocoa, including those involved in protein and enzyme synthesis. Our recommendation is Wonder Leaf Mono Cu 6 foliar fertilizer, containing 6% copper, applied at a rate of 1-2 l/ha.

Fulvic and humic acids are highly beneficial for normal cocoa growth and development. They stimulate enzyme and growth hormone activity, leading to accelerated plant growth and development (Wonder Humic NPK, 15% organic matter, (10% humic acid extract, 5% fulvic acid extract), further enriched with potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and plant-derived amino acids, recommended at a rate of 150-300 ml/ha; soil application – 5-10 l/ha).

During the BBCH 51-59 (Budding) stage, cocoa has the highest boron requirement. This micronutrient is essential for cell division and new tissue growth, as cocoa actively forms new cells and structures. Boron contributes to cell wall stability and is necessary for healthy new organ development. The best solutions are Wonder Leaf Pink (20% boron, recommended at a rate of 0.5-1 kg/ha); Wonder Leaf Mono B 11 (11% boron, applied at a rate of 1-2 l/ha); and Wonder Leaf Mono B 120 (containing 9% boron, recommended at a rate of 1-2 l/ha). Additionally, incorporating organic fertilizer containing fulvic and humic acids has a positive impact on the tree at this stage. 

At the end of flowering (ovary visible), specifically in the BBCH 67-69 stage, cocoa requires Wonder Leaf Veg&Fruit and Wonder Leaf Violet fertilizers. These products have a high nitrogen content and provide molybdenum, which is essential at this stage for nitrogen uptake and promotes fruit set. Additionally, Wonder Leaf Veg&Fruit fertilizer contains a sufficient amount of micronutrients that enhance both qualitative and quantitative parameters.

The plant has a high demand for amino acids. They serve as building blocks for proteins, which are fundamental for fruit set growth and development. Supplying additional amino acids during this critical period ensures optimal conditions for healthy fruit set formation. Wonder Leaf Amino 43 (43% plant-derived amino acids, applied at a rate of 0.5-1 l/ha) and Wonder Leaf Green (containing 15% plant-derived amino acids, recommended at a rate of 0.5-1 kg/ha).

During the fruit and seed development stage, specifically in the BBCH 71-79 phase, fertilizers like Wonder Leaf Blossom (application rate: 4-5 l/ha) and Wonder Leaf Veg&Fruit are recommended. Why Wonder Leaf Blossom? This comprehensive fertilizer contains boron and potassium, along with a complex of elements that work together to enhance fruit sugar content and improve quality.

In the middle of this phase, it’s best to use Wonder Leaf Mono Ca 14 (containing 14% calcium, applied at a rate of 4-6 l/ha) in combination with Wonder Leaf Mono B 11. The boron in the fertilizer improves calcium uptake by the plant, while calcium, in turn, increases the market value of the fruit by strengthening their structure and helping to combat diseases.

Once the harvest is complete, cocoa enters a period of dormancy (a temporary resting phase). It is recommended to apply phosphorus, which is essential for the roots. Our agronomists recommend Wonder Leaf Mono P 30 (30% phosphorus, applied at a rate of 1-2 l/ha). A deficiency in this element leads to stunted plants, narrow leaves, and early and severe leaf drop.

Copper, contained in Wonder Leaf Mono Cu 6 (6% chelated copper, recommended for this stage at 1-2 l/ha), has fungicidal properties and a tonic effect, improving overall tree performance and extending leaf retention. In case of iron deficiency, known as chlorosis, the use of Wonder Leaf Mono Fe 10 foliar fertilizer is recommended (8.8% chelated iron, applied at 0.5-1 l/ha).

It’s crucial to remember that any nutrient deficiency will limit cocoa tree growth, particularly leaf area and productivity. Proper fertilization provides cocoa with the necessary nutrients to enhance yield. Foliar fertilizers help cocoa plants produce more and better quality fruits.