The ideal range of temperatures for cocoa is a minimum of 18-21°C and maximum of 30-32°C. High temperatures may affect bean characteristics and yield.
Rainfall
The distribution of annual rainfall for regions in which cocoa is grown is 1,250- 3,000 mm per year. The rainfall must be well-distributed and any dry period should not be longer than three months.
Soils
Cocoa is grown on a wide range of soil types, but those with moderate to high fertility are favoured since fertiliser inputs under traditional production systems are low. The main requirements are 1.5 m depth of free draining soil Good moisture holding capacity and pH range from 4.5 to 7.0, preferably close to 6.5.
Wind
Attempts to establish cocoa without shade often fail and one of the main causes is wind damage. Cocoa prefers calm conditions and persistent moderate wind can cause problems during establishment.
Propagation
Seedlings are generally used for planting. They are raised in nurseries, where they have shade, irrigated regularly and protected from the wind. Seed is collected from ripe pods and, if the fresh beans are planted immediately, at least 90% should germinate within two weeks.
Establishment
Density should be about 1200 trees/ha. About 200kg nitrogen, 25kg phosphorus, 300kg potassium and 140kg calcium are needed per hectare to grow the trees prior to pod production. For each 1,000kg of dry beans harvested, about 20kg nitrogen, 4kg phosphorus and 10kg calcium is removed.
If the pod husks are also removed from the field, the amount of calcium removed increases to about 50 kg. Trees start producing fruits after 4-5 years and will continue doing so for over 40 years
