Role of nutrients by cocoa growth stage

Vegetative Growth to Pre-Flowering

• Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium – to promote growth of new shoots and roots, and promote flowering after harvest 
• Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur - boost root and leaf growth to provide a platform for high yields and good fruiting 
• Micronutrients – to ensure leaf growth is not limited 
• Boron and Zinc – to maximize flowering and strong fruit set

Post Flowering to Cherelle Formation

• Nitrogen and Potassium – maintain canopy cover and shoot growth, and maximize pod development 
• Phosphorus – for new root growth together with new leaf flush 
• Calcium and Boron – maximize strong growth of healthy tissues and minimize cherelle wilt 
• Magnesium – boost chlorophyll activity and N-uptake 
• Micronutrients – maintain growth and fruit set

Pod Expansion

• Nitrogen and Potassium – to maintain tree growth and bean fill and quality during this critical phase 
• Calcium and Boron – to maintain pod integrity and minimize pod drop as it expands 
• Micronutrients – where needed to maintain growth

Post-Harvest

• Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus – to build nutrient stocks in the tree and to support new leaf flushes