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Coconut Karnataka
Nutrient Management ---- Select Crop ----

Nutrient Management Fertilisers Organic And Green Manures Time And Method Application Gap Cover Coconut
Crop
About Coconut
History
Nutrients and their Requirements Morphology
Coconut Management
Essential Elements in Coconut Nutrition Varieties
Soils and Climate
Of the primary nutrients, potash(K) has been found to be the most important in coconut cultivation, Nursery Management
followed by nitrogen(N). There is a general response to the application of K and N; while response to Crop Establishment
phosphorous (P) is seen only in certain restricted and localized condition. Nutrient Management
Among the secondary nutrients, magnesium (Mg) and chlorine (Cl) have beneficial effects, followed
Water Management
by calcium (Ca), Sulphur(S) and sodium (Na). Among micro-nutrients, zinc (Zn), boron (B) and
Weed Management
manganese (Mn) are required under certain restricted conditions.
Disease Management

Effect of Potash /p>

Insect Management
Harvesting and Storage
Adequate supply of potash helps for development of kernel and the formation of oil in it. It is usually Crisis Management
reflected in high setting percentage and better copra outturn.
K content of leaves is reported to reach up to 0.8 to 1.0%. An increase in level of potash in the leaves
improves the precocity of flowering, increasing number of female flowers and setting percentage;
number of bunches per palm; average copra per nut and total copra production per palm. It improves
all the nut characteristics by 14% including quality and quantity of copra.
K increases the resistance to certain pests and diseases. K in combination with Cl reduces the leaf
spot disease incidence.
K regulates water economy and thus enabling the palm to withstand drought. K is also known to help
root development in certain locations, enabling the palm to take up more nutrients from the soil. K
regulates protoplasmic swelling and streaming in plant cells and thus influences enzymatic activity in
them and facilitates movement of iron in the plant. Potassium acts upon all the factors of production.
However, excess of K can depress the uptake of N, Mg and S; while K deficiency leads to chlorosis,
leaf scorch and poor crown with short fronds.

Effect of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a constituent of plant cells and green colouring matter i.e., chlorophyll of leaves. Nitrogen
hunger is very common in most of the plants; and in case of palms, it is often more apparent in young
plantations. Increase in nitrogen doses in the absence of P, leads to a corresponding increase in the
incidence of leaf-spot diseases.
The deficiency of N is usually reflected in the restricted growth, yellowing of young and old leaves to
varied degrees. Causes of N deficiency are climatic, pedagogical and agronomic conditions.
For coastal sandy soils, Urea formaldehyde is more preferable as a N source.

Effect of Phosphate

Phosphate promotes root growth, enhances flowering and ripening of fruits. However, an overdose of
phosphate results in the production of barren nuts or nuts with poor copra content. Phosphate is
essentially found in the leaves and seeds and where vigorous division takes place like growing parts
of the shoot and root.
Among phosphatic fertilizers, di-calcium phosphate application significantly increases production of
nuts and copra content per nut. Rock phosphate (Musoorie phos) application proves to be better than
superphosphate for acidic soils.
For coastal sandy soils, SSP is more suitable than MOP as a P source.

Potassium and Nitrogen Interaction

K and N ratio is critical as otherwise the absorption of N many be hindered. K alleviates the injurious
effects of an over-supply of nitrogen. A high level of N is found to adversely affect the response to K.
 The response to yield is particularly marked in the application of K and N fertilizers. K and N in a
particular ratio shows positive effect on the number of bunches and the number of flowers per bunch.

Potassium and Phosphate Interaction

The response of adult palms to phosphate become pronounced only when used in combination with
potash or nitrogen. A balanced availability of phosphate and potash helps in optimum formation of
sugar, starch, fat and protein in the kernel. Both potash and phosphate promote flowering, fruit setting
and root development; enhance ripening and increase resistance to certain diseases and pests. There
is a positive effect of P and K on the copra content per nut and number of nuts per palm.

Effect of N, P, K in Combination

The beneficial effects in the growth and productivity of coconut palms are manifested only if P and K
are provided with N and thus the complete effects of N in plant metabolism can be achieved.

Effects of Lime

Calcium is particularly important as a nutrient in the acid laterite soils, where it increases P
availability. Lime is also supposed to regulate base saturation and pH, if applied in larger quantities
and thus lime serves two-fold functions. It can exert beneficial effect by counteracting toxic effect of
high content of soluble aluminium (A1) salts. However, the actual lime requirement of coconut is
small which can be met by calcium in the bonemeal, superphosphate etc. Quick lime or freshly slaked
lime also increases the coconut yield. Calcium can only be studied properly in association with other
cationic elements. Hence, the disturbance in nutrient uptake in acidic coconut soils may be
compensated by increasing the Ca concentration in the soil.

Lime and Potassium Interaction

Lime influences water soluble K in soils and its and its absorption in plants.
Potassium depresses Ca levels of leaves to some extent. The best utilization of growth factors by
palms is obtained at pH 6.0 at equal concentration of Ca and potash. A good potassium status (300
kg) as exchangeable K/ha requires 10 times more Ca (3000 kg CaO) for adequate nutrient balance.
Thus Ca:K interaction in soils and plants is observed.
Overliming of soils creates potash and boron deficiency in acidic soil and also lime induced chloosis
in coconut palms.

Effect of Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) and chlorine (CI) have beneficial effects on the general growth and productivity of
palm. Mg deficiency is most prevalent in acidic sandy soils. It is reported that the quantity of Mg in
sandy soils is correlated with the availability of organic matter. Mg deficient chlorosis is very common
in most of the high rainfall regions. However, Mg hunger may exist at levels under 0.2% of leaf
magnesium.
There is a positive effect of magnesium sulphate on the production of more female flowers, high
setting percentage and more number of nuts per bunch. It also plays an important role in
photosynthesis and greenness of leaves. It brings out full benefit of K-fertilization. Application of
magnesium increases Mg content in the lecithin of copra. It is reported that 500g MgSO4 (i.e., 170 g
MgO)/palm/year gives beneficial results.

Relationship of Magnesium with Potassium and Phosphate

Potash tolerates highly application of magnesium sulphate. However, a proper balance of Mg and K in
the soil is very important. Lower Mg levels consequent to increase in K content of palms indicates the
need for magnesium fertilization, particularly in hybrid coconut. Higher K application interferes with
Mg uptake.
Young palms invariably need the manuring of phosphate-potash-magnesium proportionately.
Adequate availability of Mg is essential for the absorption and translocation of phosphate. The
yellowing of leaves is caused as a result of imbalance in K: Mg ratio. It is observed that the effect of
Mg becomes manifest only in the presence of K, but liberal dressing of potash induces Mg deficiency.
This deficiency, when detected can be corrected by foliar application of 2% MgSO4 solution at
quarterly intervals or by soil application of MgSO4 0.5 kg/palm/year.

Effect of Chlorine (Cl)

There is a close interaction between K and Cl in the physiology of the coconut palm. Chlorine
enhances better absorption of potash, phosphate and magnesium.
Chlorine helps to accelerate growth, early flowering, setting of fruits and increase in copra weight per
nut.

Application of Potassium Chloride (KCl)

Among the different sources of potassium muriate of potash (MOP/KCl) is an ideal fertilizer for the
coconut palms in most soils and appears to be better than potassium sulphate (K2SO4) and wood
 ash on equivalent potash basis. Potassium chloride meets the demand of K and provides essential
quantities of chlorine as well, which appears to be deficient very often.

Effect of Sodium (Na)

Addition of sodium in the form of common salt in the basin of the coconut is a common practice.
Coconut being a semi-halophyte can resist the action of common salt, but that does not mean that it
requires salt. It is reported that sodium promotes early growth of seedlings, development of young
palms, and enhances number of inflorescences; production of female flowers and setting of fruits. In
hard laterite soils, the addition of common salt in planting pits appears to soften the laterite bed and
helps early penetration of the tender roots.
Sodium can replace potassium to some extent, when K is found to be deficient in the soil. Sodium is
reported to be substituting K in certain crops up to 70% of K need. K increases Na content of plants
up to a certain value of K and as such, Na reacts differently at different K levels.
Even though salt drips are deposited on the surface soil near the sea coast, the coastal sandy soils
are not at all saturated with salt, as may be seen from the underground fresh water within a short
distance from the sea. Moreover, those salt drips deposited on soil surface are leached into the
subsoil during rainy days due to extreme mobility of Cl ion in it.

Effect of Sulphur (S)

Sulphur increases the oil content and reduces N and sugar contents. The application of sulphur @ 450
g as flour/palm changes chloritic leaves to green. The application of sulphur has shown 9.5% of the
yield improvement. Sulphur requirement is generally met through application of ammonium
sulphate/superphosphate to the crops.
Sulphur deficiency causes uniform yellowing of the leaves, reduces vegetative growth and hinders
hardening of kernel.

Effect of Boron (B)

Boron deficiency causes mal-formation of the young leaves, showing crown-choking symptoms,
mostly on young bearing palms and also it is one of the factors for deformed nut production in
affected palms. 'Crown Chocking' is a serious malady of coconut in India, which can be corrected by
application of borax at 100 g/palm approx.

Effect of Zinc (Zn)

Zinc deficiency can cause deformed growth of tender leaves called 'rosette' or 'little leaf' formation in
plants, but typical zinc deficiency symptoms on coconut are not known.

Effect of Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is indirectly related to the formation of chlorophyll and facilitates early growth of
seedlings.

Effect of Iron (Fe)

Iron deficiency results is chlorosis. For young palms, very small amount of ferrus sulphate (FeSO4),
say 10 g/palm is required in lime-rich soils. In case of adults palms dressing of iron in the form of
ferrus sulphate at the base of the palm in a hole is preferred.

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Fertilizers

Organic Matter

FYM/Compost

Before planting -- 12.5t/ha

Every year -- 50 kg/ palm

Green leaves / FYM

Every year -- 50 kg/ palm

Fertilizers (per palm in grams)

Pre-monsoon Post-monsoon

N P K N P K

1st year after planting Planting in May -June 50 40 135

2nd year after planting 50 40 135 110 80 270

3rd year after planting 110 80 270 220 160 540

 Pre-monsoon Post-monsoon

N P K N P K

4th year after planting 170 120 400 330 200 800

Lime (costal Region) - - - 2 kg upto 15 years

- - - - 4 kg upto 15 years

Apply MgSO4 for bearing trees @ 0.5 kg/palm in coastal region

Note : Lime incorporation - 15 days prior to application of fertilizer during Sept - Oct.

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Organic Manure and Green Manure

Bulky Organic Matter

The supply of both bulky and concentrated organic manures provides not only food materials, but also
maintains the soil structure and conserve moisture. The application of sufficient bulky organic matter,
say 25 to 50 kg/palm supplemented with the required quantity of inorganic fertilizers, should be the
best combination for obtaining maximum benefit out of the application of chemical fertilizers for
adult palms. In loose coastal soils, the application of chemical fertilizers should be supplemented by
bulky organic matter to avoid heavy loss of added nutrients.
The bulky organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, green leaves etc., are required to be
incorporated into the soil every the year.

Use of coconut wastes

Coir dust can also be utilized profitably in the coastal sandy soils for moisture conservation.
Saw dust saturated with cattle urine, human urine or night soil in pits can be used as rich organic
source which can retain the entire nitrogen and absorb moisture about 5 times its weight.
Coconut spathes, spadices and leaves with sheaths can be recycled in coconut gardens to improve
the soil fertility status.

Green Manure

Growing of suitable green manure crop in situ which can come up well in the shade of coconut palms
is the most easy and economic method of augmenting the organic matter and maintenance of humus
content of the soil.
Incorporation of green manure crop into the soil improves the soil structure and physical
properties of the soil such as absorptive capacity, aeration and drainage:
It increases nitrogen status of the soils, releases plant nutrients in all available form and exerts a
conserving influence of soil nutrient from leaching losses and increases the availability of organic
status of the soil. It minimizes soil losses due to erosion and stimulates biological activity in the
soil.
Green manure crops can be grown with the onset of monsoon wherever possible and practicable
among the green manure crops, cowpea, sunhemp, dhaincha are grown in situ. Giricidia and
Tephrosia candida are grown in the bunds/hedges and outskirts and the green matter is periodically
cut and applied to coconut gardens. Green manuring might be the best solution to overcome organic
matter deficiency particularly in the west coast region where coconut is grown in a plantation scale.
Both cowpea and sunhemp are quick growing and succulent green manure crops. They come up well
in the well-drained fertile soils where water does not stagnate. The seed rate used is about 30 kg/ha,
which is best shown with Southwest monsoon rains in June. In about 3 months, when it attain
maximum growth at the initiation of flowering about 7000 kg green matter is produced per ha which is
incorporated into the soil during post-monsoon period i.e., August-September. Another wild sunhemp
(Crotolaria striata), hardy plant which can withstand adverse conditions like heavy rainfall or drought
and also resistant to diseases or pests can be used as green manure crop. The advantages of wild
sunhemp are:
It comes up well in all types of soils, grows quickly and tolerates shade of coconut palms;
It produces seeds in abundance and is not eaten up by cattle;
Leaf material is rich in nitrogen (2.2%) and decomposes very rapidly.
Dhaincha also thrives well in shady coconut gardens and also in clayey and saline soils. The seed rate
is 30 kg/ha. It takes about 4 months for maximum vegetative growth and about 10,000 kg of green
matter/ha can be produced.
Gliricidia is propagated from seeds or cuttings; while Tephrosia can be raised only from seeds. The
bushes are periodically pruned, frequently during monsoon seasons; the leaves and tender shoots are
transported to incorporate around basins of coconut palms, which are decomposed readily.

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Time and Method of Application

The proper time for the application of fertilizers is when sufficient moisture is available in the soil. For
rainfed crops, fertilizers should be applied just at onset of monsoon and at the end of rainy season, at
 a time when the roots are active, avoiding heavy rainfall period to reduce leaching losses. During the
periods of longer spells of dry seasons, manuring may be avoided.
Fertilization requires to be adjusted within the reach of the active absorptive area of the roots. Among
various methods adopted, fertilizer application in a shallow circular trench round the basin at a radius
of 2 m from the base is recommended. Deep trench making has to be avoided, which causes injury of
longer roots. Alternatively surface application in a 90 cm wide circular strip, 90 cm away from the
bole, is followed by forking and through mixing in soil.

Nutrients removal by Plant parts

The composition or removal of major nutrients in different parts of the coconut palm has been
analysed and recorded in the order of their importance as K, N, P, Mg, and Ca.
It is further observed that 75% of nitrogen in the kernel is removed from the palm when ripe fruit is
harvested. Potash is found to be required in large quantities by any rapid growing part of the coconut
palm.
Table. Composition of different parts of bearing coconut palm. Nutrient content in %

Parts of the palm K N P Mg Ca

Root 0.29 -- 0.04 0.68 0.20

Stem 0.21 -- 0.56 0.67 0.27

Stipule 0.03 -- 0.03 0.07 0.08

Petiole & leaf stalk 0.026 0.28 0.17 0.44 0.27

Leaflet 0.56 1.76 0.25 0.57 0.28

Husk 1.11 0.44 0.07 0.21 0.34

Shell 0.14 0.38 0.01 0.01 0.09

Kernel (meat) 0.80 1.49 0.46 0.16 --

Nut Water 6.60 0.50 0.56 0.59 0.69

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Frequency of Fertilizer Application

Once the coconut palm started flowering, the production phase continues all though its life.
Hence, there is a steady utilization of food material by the palm, resulting in depletion of plant foods
from the soil.
To compensate the nutrient loss, so as to maintain the steady productivity of the palm, regular and
judicial manuring is essential which has to be done annually.

Split Application

Split application of the recommended dose of fertilizers, annually twice, increases the production of
nuts and also copra content in it substantially.
Split application results in significant production of female flowers and high setting percentage.
A higher level of soil nutrient concentration, particularly adding water-soluble fertilizers like
ammonium sulphate, can be maintained only by reducing the time interval between successive
application.
By split application of nutrients, losses due to leaching and other biochemical activities in the soil are
minimised and, thus the plants are assured of a continuous availability of nutrients for obtaining good
yields.

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Cover Cropping

In coconut gardens, cover cropping is found to be very useful for control of weed growth, prevention
of soil erosion, regulation of soil temperature and the supply of organic matter to the soils.
Leguminous cover crops like Mimosa invisa, Puereria phaseoloides, Calopogonium mucunoids,
Centrosema pubescenes etc., grow very rapidly and cover the soil surface in a very short time.
They provide a large quantity of organic matter which can be incorporate into the soil in appropriate
time. During summer months, the dry leaves and plant parts cover the soil surface and regulate the
temperature of the surface soil as an effective organic mulch.
Cover cropping is most suitable in sloppy and undulating lands, where soil erosion is a great problem;
weed control is difficult and costly.
However, in areas where soil moisture is the limiting factor, cover cropping should be avoided because
it robs soil moisture very rapidly for its quick growth at the cost of the main crop. They are self-sown
crops, establish through seeds or cutting.

Basin Management
 If grown around the basin only, these leguminous cover crops will contribute 20 to 30 kg of green
matter/basin and 1/3 of nitrogen requirement of coconut palms when incorporated 3 1/2 to 4 months
growth stage.
It acts as surface mulch, reduces runoff and conserve moisture for a longer period.

Locally Available Manures

Application of fish manure in sandy coastal areas to coconut plantation is found to be beneficial.
In backwater areas in Karnataka river sand, silt, sea weeds, lime, shell grids etc., are used.

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