For the cocoa tree to develop correctly, it needs a soil with good structure, permeable and deep, since cocoa has pivoting roots that go deep into the soil and its ramifications or secondary roots that grow near the surface together with the absorbent hairs that are where the nutrients are absorbed, for which FRANCO soils are needed, little clay.
It is always recommended to leave some shade in cocoa crops, so it is not suggested to clear a field completely, but always leave a minimum of 12 trees per hectare, which can be fruit trees, timber or others. In the past, land was cleared for planting, cutting down or cutting completely the existing vegetation and proceeding to burn the debris, this caused the destruction of the microflora in the soil which affected the absorption of nutrients and in turn, the land was exposed to the sun and rain which causes erosion and the soil becomes less fertile.
When planting cocoa trees, the appropriate planting density should be considered, taking into account factors such as climate, availability and soil types, the recommended spacing is 2.5 to 3 meters between rows and plants, approximately 1,000 to 1,600 seedlings per hectare, so you can make the most of the land.
