Chemical and microbiological indicators of the soil under application of efficient microorganisms in cocoa plantation (Theobroma cacao L.)

Karina Ramírez Marrache; Nelino Florida Rofner; Fortunato Escobar Mamani

Abstract

Microbiological processes play an important role in the development of soil fertility and plant nutrition, therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of the application of efficient microorganisms (EM) in the population of the main microbiological groups and on the chemical indicators of the soil, in a plantation of (Theobroma cacao L.), in Río Oro, Las Palmas-Leoncio Prado. The research was adjusted to a randomized complete block experimental design with four treatments and four blocks or repetitions. The treatments under study are EM doses of 0 (T1), 1 (T2), 2 (T3) and 3 liters for 20 L backpack (T4); representing concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of MS in the suspension applied; being evaluated, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), aluminum (Al³⁺), hydrogen (H⁺), cation exchange capacity (CEC), changeable acids (%CA), aluminum saturation (% AlS) and the population of phototrophic bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. The results show highly significant differences for OM and N; The microbiological indicators of the soil did not show significant differences with respect to the treatments applied. It is concluded that EM in short periods of application improve the chemical indicators of the soil, showing great potential to improve soil quality.