Scientific methods for managing coconut trees

Brahmavar: After rice and cashew, coconuts are grown in most parts of coastal Karnataka. The State is also the second-largest producer of coconuts in the country.

Following are the tips for effective nutrient management of coconuts and its protection from disease-causing pests.

August-September is the best time to nourish the fertility of the soil around a coconut tree. On the basis of the soil test, in the 2nd or 3rd week of August, about 2 kg of lime should be applied on the base of the tree after weeding and clearing it. The lime should be sprinkled circularly from the base out to about 4 feet.

After 3 weeks, in the first or second week of September, the circular pit should be dug 4 feet away from the coconut tree. The pits should be as deep and wide as possible to fill with manure and plants. Roots which are spread up to 4 feet under the base should not be cut or injured.

The pits of each tree should be filled with 1 kg urea, 1.5 kg of phosphorus, 2 kg potash, 50 kg cow dung and 20 kg of plants. This should be done every year.

The filling can be done in phases – the first filling of 1/3rd can be done at the last week of May and the remainder 2/3rd in September – or it can be done using water-soluble urea and mureate of potash delivered through a drip irrigation system from December to May.

Each coconut tree sheds about 20 to 25 kg of dry fronds per year. They can be cut into small pieces and spread around the base to prevent the growth of weeds. The fronds can also be used for the filling in the pits if other plants are not available.

As a perennial crop, coconut trees requires continuous nutrition as it constantly grows new fronds and coconuts. Yields will be well when nutrients in the soil are naturally available. Since the plants constantly absorb nutrients in the soil, growers need to provide external fertilizer to the soil otherwise the yields will start to decrease.

Questions and expert’s opinion, messages can be sent to 76187 74529 with name, place and phone numbers. Additionally, Agricultural Sciences Centre can be contacted on 0820 2563923.