Optimizing land resources through vegetable crop production (Cucumber and Beans) on cocoa farms

Vegetable crops can be cultivated by diverse agricultural strategies, including the intensification of underutilised land, such as cocoa-based dry land. Generally, the terrain beneath cocoa plants remains unutilised or exposed, resulting in suboptimal land utilisation. This inefficiency indicates that planting and cultivation areas are not entirely optimised. This study seeks to assess vegetable production (cucumber and beans) on optimally managed cocoa-based land by employing cocoa tree maintenance strategies to establish a conducive microclimate for vegetables. The study was carried out in the Palolo District, adjacent to the Lore Lindu National Park Conservation Area. A factorial design employing a two-factor randomised block design (RBD) was implemented. The initial component comprised of two pruning treatments, whereas the subsequent factor included beans and cucumbers, yielding four treatment combinations: PB1 (heavy pruning + beans), PB2 (light pruning + beans), PB3 (heavy pruning + cucumbers), and PB4 (light pruning + cucumbers). Each treatment was reproduced four times, yielding a total of 16 treatment units. The findings indicated that the growth of both vegetable varieties enhanced significantly. The vine length of both vegetables was greater with rigorous pruning than with light pruning. Fruit length, seed count per harvest, and fruit weight were superior with vigorous pruning in comparison to light pruning. Bean production beneath cocoa was 3-6 tonnes per hectare lower than that of monoculture planting, although cucumber achieved a potential yield of 30-43 tonnes per hectare.