Suitable agro-ecologies for cashew ( Anacardium occidetale L) production in Ghana

Abstract

Among the non-traditional crops being promoted in Ghana is cashew (Anacardb;'71 occidentale L.). Cashew production in Ghana is limited to three agro-ecologies; namely the Interior Savanna, Forest Savanna Transition and Coastal Savanna. The paper describes the climatic conditions and soil characteristics, which are suitable for cashew production in these three agro-ecologies. The Forest Savanna Transition is ranked as highly suitable for cashew production. Majority ofthe soils in this zone are deep (> 100 cm), medium-textured with few limitations and the rainfall amounts are optimum for the crop. The Interior Savanna, which is moderately suitable for the crop, has majority of the soils being gravelly and concretionary. The Coastal Savanna is ranked marginally suitable. Climatic conditions, especially rainfall amounts, constitute the major limitations to the optimum production ofthe crop in the zone. Irrespective of agro-ecology, the most suitable soils in the three zones are Luvisols, Lixisols and Acrisols. Associated with these soils are PIinthosols and Arenosols, which are marginal for the crop. All the soils are inherently low in fertility.