Nitrogen Moderate Rates’ Effects on the Performance of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma Cocoa Linn.) in the Forest Zone of Togo (West Africa)

Abstract

The cocoa trees nutrient requirements coverage, especially in nitrogen (N), remains essential for a better growth of the seedlings. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the moderate nitrogen doses on the agronomic performance of the nursery cocoa seedlings in Togo’s forest zone. Trials were conducted in a complete randomized plot design with four replicates to identify the optimal complementary nitrogen dose helpful for better growth and nutrition of cocoa seedlings. The doses tested were 0; 0.5; 1 and 1.5 g.plant^-1 of urea (46% N). The results showed that the doses of 0.5 and 1 g.plant^-1 were the most likely to provide the best agronomic performance of nursery cocoa seedlings in the forest zone of Togo. However, the dose of 1 g.plant^-1 was optimal for good growth and balanced nutrition of cocoa seedlings and would therefore be recommended for the management of cocoa nurseries in the area.