Cacao litter decomposition and nutrient cycling along an elevational gradient under variable meteorological conditions in northwestern Peru

Cacao litter decomposition (Theobroma cacao L.) is regulated by meteorological factors; however, their influence on nutrient dynamics in tropical agroecosystems remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the relationship between meteorological variables, litter decomposition, and nutrient dynamics along an elevational gradient in cacao agroecosystems in northwestern Peru. Nine plots distributed across three elevational ranges were evaluated over seven months using litterbags to determine remaining dry mass (%RDM), the decomposition constant (k), the chemical composition of the remaining biomass, and changes in soil chemical properties. Relationships among variables were assessed using principal component analysis and Spearman correlations. The highest decomposition constant was recorded at high elevation (k = 0.022 month⁻¹), approximately twice that observed at low and medium elevations (k = 0.011 month⁻¹). N, P, and K release exhibited distinct patterns, accompanied by changes in soil chemical properties. Multivariate analyses revealed elevation dependent associations among meteorological conditions, decomposition, and nutrient dynamics. Overall, the results indicate that soil litter dynamics are associated with the balance between thermal and hydrological conditions and their temporal variability, highlighting the importance of elevational gradients for understanding nutrient cycling in tropical cacao agroecosystems.