Cocoa plants are fertilized with nutrient-rich substances applied to the soil around the plant, not through pollination or other biological fertilization processes.
Here's a breakdown of how cocoa plants are fertilized:
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Fertilizer Application: Fertilizers are applied to the soil to provide essential nutrients for growth and development.
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Young Plants: For young cocoa plants, fertilizer is applied in circular bands around the trees. The bands are typically placed 5.1 cm to 10.2 cm (two to four inches) away from the base of the plant. This helps to ensure the young roots can access the nutrients efficiently.
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Mature Plants: As cocoa plants mature and develop a wider root system, the fertilizer application area is expanded. For mature plants, the fertilizer is applied in circular bands located further away from the trunk at the drip circle (the outermost reach of the tree's branches). This ensures the fertilizer reaches the actively absorbing roots.
In summary, the process involves applying fertilizers to the soil surrounding the cocoa plant at varying distances from the trunk depending on the plant's maturity. This is to ensure the nutrients are available where the roots can efficiently absorb them.
