Evaluation of the impact of floristic diversity on the productivity of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the new cocoa production area: The case of the Biankouma department (Western Côte d’Ivoire)
Paper Details
Evaluation of the impact of floristic diversity on the productivity of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the new cocoa production area: The case of the Biankouma department (Western Côte d’Ivoire)
Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of associated species on the productivity of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the department of Biankouma. To achieve this, the plot method combined with the itinerant survey method was used in different plantations grouped into four age classes (0 to 5 years, 6 to 20 years, 21 to 35 years, and 36 years and older). The analyses carried out identified 161 species divided into 124 genera and 48 families. Plantations aged 0 to 5 years show high floristic diversity with high Shannon and Evenness Indices. Plantations aged 6 to 20 years and 21 to 35 years recorded the lowest floristic diversity values with high yields. The results also showed that species density is high in plantations aged 0 to 5 years and those aged 36 years and over with low yields. Furthermore, analysis of the impacts of floristic diversity showed that yield increases significantly with the density of cocoa trees, the heights and circumferences of cocoa trees and associated plant species. However, it decreases with the age of the cocoa trees (0 to 5 years and over 30 years), the diversity and high density of associated species. Targeted management of associated species, optimal density, and selection of useful species therefore appear essential to improve productivity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.
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