Efecto de la poda y fertilización integrada en algunas propiedades físicas de suelos cacaoteros

Contextualization: Tropical soils are crucial for the production of Theobroma cacao L. Knowledge gap: Lack of monitoring of soil properties in Theobroma cacao L. plantations to quantify changes induced by agronomic management practices. Purpose: Evaluate the effect of pruning and integrated fertilization on some physical properties of a Typic Dystropepts soil used in cacao cultivation. Methodology: The research was conducted between January 2022 and August 2023 in the Santa Rosa village (Convención, Norte de Santander). The TCS-01, TCS-06, TCS-19, ICS-1, and CCN-51 clones, all 10 years old, were selected, with each clone representing independent experiments. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with a split-plot arrangement, consisting of six treatments and three repetitions. The physical parameters evaluated were bulk density (Da), mean weight diameter (MWD), and structural stability index (IE). Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.1 to assess data normality and homogeneity of variance assumptions. Subsequently, a combined analysis of variance was conducted, and Tukey's multiple comparison method was applied for each treatment. Results and conclusions: Technified pruning combined with integrated fertilization, compared to the pruning and fertilization methods used by the cacao farmer, led to a decrease in bulk density values, while also increasing soil structural stability. The implementation of pruning practices together with integrated fertilization had a positive trend on the physical properties of the soil evaluated in this research. This suggests that these agronomic practices can effectively contribute to the sustainability and productivity of soils in cacao cultivation.