Data relating to Supplementary feedstock and compost

Abstract

Cocoa is a valuable global commodity but its management results in residues such as cocoa pod husk, leaves and placenta which are under-utilised as a resource. This study sought to address this by evaluating the impacts of different mixing ratios of cocoa pod husk (CPH), placenta (PL) and locally sourced poultry manure (PM) on compost quality and which mixing ratio will enhance compost NPK stoichiometry required for cocoa organo-mineral (OMF) fertiliser formulations. The composting study considered 8 treatments consisting of different combinations of PM, CPH at ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2 and 1:3 in combination with PL. PM and CPH ratio with PL recorded the maximum (32.45 %) organic carbon at the end of the composting period. Highest available N (5918.68 mg kg-1) was observed in ratios with PL and the lowest (277.8 mg kg-1) was observed without PL. CPH and PM ratios without PL and with PL recorded the highest available P (3843 mg kg-1) and yielded the lowest (2167 mg kg-1), respectively. Addition of PL to CPH and PM causes an increase in organic carbon, available N, available K but reduces available P. Compost PM+CPH (2:1) and PM+CPH (1:2) have NPK stoichiometry which aligns with nutrient requirements of young cocoa (<7 years old) and matured cocoa (≥8 years), respectively. This study demonstrates the use of circular economy to improve resource efficiency in cocoa farms.