Composto orgânico da casca do cacau: características agronômicas e econômicas

Abstract

The cocoa pod husk has been the subject of several studies of use, but none of them seen as practical and applicable by the generator scenario: small producers that generate thousands of tons of barks per year and abandon them in the plantations. Composting proved to be an easy and attractive method to reduce the large accumulations of cocoa shells on agricultural properties. The technique was used as a viable alternative solution for generating a value-added product. It was highlighted in this study, the high economic value of the compost produced when assessing the content of nutrients in relation to mineral products on the market today. The product of this process showed significant amounts of nutrients, that although the concentration of nutrients is far from the amount of nutrients provided by commercial fertilizers, the organic compound can bring great benefits with the introduction of organic matter in the soil, which were also highlights in the final product. Compared to Normative Instructions No. 25 of 2009 and No. 27 of 2006 from MAPA - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply and proposal of the European Union CE (2016), the cocoa husk compound met all the parameters indicated for classification as organic fertilizer, including for contaminating metals, a major current concern with the use of waste sources as raw material for fertilizers. The use of cocoa husk fertilizer could reduce the consumption of mineral fertilizers, contributing to the preservation of resources and recycling of organic matter. With the return of the cocoa residue as an agricultural product, the use of the available resource could occur, closing a cycle and promoting several chain benefits, within the new Nexus and Circular Economy guidelines. Also, added to these results, this project can provide support and technical material for new works to analyze the feasibility of a composting system on larger scales, even producing for trade.