ABSTRACT
Cacao has higher mineral nutrient requirements than other tropical perennial crops that are able to grow in poor acid soils. When considering cacao nutritional requirements, it is also necessary to take into account genetic characters and the environmental conditions in Which the tree is growing, especially regarding the degree of shade. Cacao is a very demanding crop. In West Africa or Brazil where the more important cacao regions are located, plantations are mainly in soils of high to medium fertility and without any physical limitations. Soil organic matter is one of the most important parameters in the selection of suitable soils for cacao. In kaolinitic soils, organic matter can increase the cation exchange capacity, improving conditions for cacao growth and high yields. All major elements and micronutrients are essential for cacao, but very little is known about absorption, transport and metabolic processes.
