Soil nutrient availability and nutrient uptake by cocoa plants based on leaf nutrient content under various fertilizer application methods

This study aims to evaluate the effects of various fertilizer application methods on soil nutrient availability and nutrient uptake by cocoa plants, as indicated by leaf nutrient content. The study was conducted in Lawe Sagu Hulu Village, Lawe Bulan Subdistrict, Southeast Aceh Regency, from February 2 to April 2, 2024. The research design employed a non-factorial Split-Plot Design (SPD) with fertilizer application treatments including the stake, furrow, and disc methods. The observed parameters included soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content, as well as cocoa leaf N, P, and K content before and after treatment. The results showed that fertilizer application methods produced different responses regarding soil nutrient availability and cocoa leaf nutrient content. The disc method showed the highest increase in soil phosphorus availability, while the hole-planting technique tended to yield higher leaf nutrient content compared to the other methods. These findings indicate that the effectiveness of fertilizer application methods plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of nutrient uptake by cocoa plants.