Agronomic and economic sustainability in agroforestry systems with cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Utcubamba Valley, Peru

Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (AFS) are a key strategy for strengthening agronomic and economic sustainability in tropical regions; therefore, comprehensive knowledge of cocoa-based AFS is essential. This study characterized 12 plots in the province of Utcubamba, Amazonas (Peru), by evaluating indicators of tree diversity, canopy structure, soil fertility, the presence of major pests and diseases, and economic performance. Tree diversity and structure revealed functionally differentiated communities, reflected in Shannon index values of H′ = 2.24, canopy cover exceeding 60%, and importance value indices (IVI) highlighting dominant species such as Calycophyllum spruceanum (16.79%) and Laurus nobilis (15.64%), which contribute to microclimatic regulation and system resilience. Soil analyses showed a strong correlation between organic carbon, organic matter, and nitrogen (r > 0.95; r = 1.00 between C and O.M.), emphasizing the role of organic matter management in improving soil quality and crop productivity, with organic carbon ranging from 1.91% to 3.89%, organic matter from 3.30% to 6.71%, and total nitrogen from 1.65% to 3.35%. Pest incidence exhibited low or insignificant correlations with soil parameters (r ≤ 0.32) and generally moderate levels, suggesting a stronger influence of management practices, shade structure, and local environmental conditions. Economically, AFS showed an average profit of USD 2,616.20, influenced by plantation age (≈ 7 years), technification level, and labor availability. Overall, cocoa-based AFS function as multifunctional systems capable of simultaneously enhancing productivity, ecological stability, and economic sustainability in the region.