Biomass, Nutrient Content and Allometric Relations of Intensively Grown Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Trees in Ecuador

Abstract
Theobroma cacao is an important cash crop in many tropical. Its production faces some major challenges, including a poor understanding of nutrient and biomass immobilisation and distribution. Furthering our knowledge in cocoa physiology could assist in closing yield gaps and reducing the need for forest clearance. The few available studies on nutrient and biomass distribution in T. cacao are old and originate from West-Africa. This research aimed to add fresh insights into these issues, bringing novelty in location and farming system sampled as the research was conducted on an intensive system in Ecuador. This research shows some anomalies in what is known regarding biomass and nutrient distribution in T. cacao.