Organic fertiliser - the key to cocoa farm rehabilitation

The  use of organic soil amendments has been associated with desirable soil properties including higher plant available nutrients, water holding capacity and lower bulk density, and can foster beneficial microorganisms. Benefits of organic amendments to soil also include pH stabilisation and faster water infiltration rate due to enhanced soil aggregation. Soil chemical characteristics are affected by soil amendment, production system and continuous use of inorganic or conventional fertilisers to destroy soil structure; increase soil acidity and lead to contamination of groundwater from runoff. If soil organic matter is low, bulk density increases and this affect infiltration and root penetration.

Soils in organic production systems lose less nitrogen into nearby water systems than under conventional production systems. The amount of soil nitrogen in fields under conventional production systems correlate negatively with soil microbial components, whereas soil nitrogen in fields under organic production correlate positively with soil microbial components, a very key components in nutrients cycling. Yields of crops grown in organic and conventional production systems can be equivalent. In order to rehabilitate old and degraded crop lands for increased and sustainable crop yield, organic fertilisers hold the best bet compared to conventional fertilisers.

In recent years, emphasis on the use of organic fertiliser has assumed increased importance as it finds a place in organic farming and integrated nutrient management system as well. Many consumers have expressed concern over pesticide residues on foods. Food and environmental safety are often-cited reasons for the use of alternative soil amendments but increasingly, economic considerations are becoming important with a rise in popularity of organically produced foods. A premium of 12–60 per cent  is often obtained from organic produce. Since this premium exists, organic agriculture has become more attractive to farmers. For soil restoration, organic fertilisers can be used alongside chemical fertilisers to restore the lost properties of the soil body over time and studies have shown very positive benefits.

For Ghana to be successful at rehabilitating its Cocoa farms, the focus should be on soil management and the planting of new strong trees over the next four years. This is a medium-term exercise and we should all be committed to it to preserve our heritage.


The writer is formerly of World Cocoa Foundation. Writer’s E-mail: [email protected]