 PACKAGE
OF PRACTICES OF COCONUT
1.Introduction
The
coconut palm (Cocos nucifera linn.) is the most
useful palm in the world. Every part of the tree
is useful to human life for some purpose or the
other. Hence, the coconut palm is endearingly
called ‘kalpavriksha’ meaning the
tree of heaven. The copra obtained by drying the
kernel of coconut is the richest source of vegetable
oil containing 65 to 70 per cent oil.
2.
Climate and Soil
The
coconut palm is found to grow under varying climatic
and soil conditions. It is essentially a tropical
plant growing mostly between 20oN 20oS latitudes.
However, a rainfall of about 2000 mm per year,
well distributed throughout, is ideal for proper
growth and maximum production.
Coconut
is grown under different soil types such as loamy,
laterite, coastal sandy, alluvial, clayey and
reclaimed soils of the marshy low lands. The ideal
soil conditions for better growth and performance
of the palm are proper drainage, good water-holding
capacity, presence of water table within 3m and
absence of rock or any hard substratum within
2m of the surface.
3.
Varieties
(Hybrid Variety) |
West Coast Tall
(Tall
Variety) |
 (Dwarf
Variety)
There are only two distinct varieties
of coconut, the tall and the dwarf.
The tall cultivars that are extensively
grown are the West Coast Tall and East Coast Tall.
The dwarf variety is shorter in stature and its
life span is short as compared to the tall. Tall
x Dwarf (TxD), Dwarf x Tall (DxT) are the two
important hybrids.
There are 10 different combination
of hybrids, developed by Kerala Agriculture University
and Tamil Nadu Agriculture University and released
for commercial cultivation. They are high yielders
under the good management conditions. Laccadive
Ordinary, Andaman Ordinary, Philippines, Java,
Cochin-China, Kappadam etc. are the other tall
cultivars under cultivation.
4.
Planting Material
 Coconut is
propagated through seedlings raised from selected
seednuts. Generally 9 to 12 month old seedlings
are used for planting. Select seedlings, which
have 6-8 leaves and 10-12 cm collar girth when
they are 9-12 month old. Early splitting of leaves
is another criteria in the selection of coconut
seedling.
5.
Site Selection
Shallow
soils with underlying hard rock, low lying areas
subject to water stagnation and clayey soils are
to be avoided. Proper supply of moisture either
through well distributed rainfall or through irrigation
should be ensured before planting.
6.
Preparation of Land and Planting
 On slopes and in areas of
undulating terrain, prepare the land by contour
terracing or bunding. In low-lying areas mounds
are to be formed at planting site to a height
of at least 1m above water level. In reclaimed
‘kayal’ areas, seedlings are planted
on field bunds.
In loamy soils with low water table, a pit size
of 1mx1mx1m is recommended. In laterite soils
with underlying rocks, take larger pits of size
1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m. In sandy soils the size need
not exceed 0.75m x 0.75m x 0.75 m.
7.
Spacing and Systems of Planting
Spacing
depends upon the planting system, soil type etc.
In general the following spacing are recommended
under different planting system in sandy and laterite
soils.
|
Planting
system |
Spacing |
| 1 |
Triangular |
7.6m |
| 2 |
Square |
7.6x7.6m,
8x8m, 9x9 m |
| 3 |
Single |
6.5m
in rows - 9m between rows |
| 4 |
Double
Hedge |
6.5
to 6.5m in rows - 9m between pairs of
rows |
8.
Time of Planting
Seedlings
can be transplanted in the beginning of the south
west monsoon. If irrigation facilities are available,
it is advisable to take up planting at least a
month before the onset of the monsoon so that
the seedlings get well established before heavy
rains. Planting can also be taken up before the
onset of the north-east monsoon. In low-lying
areas subject to inundation during monsoon period,
transplanting may be done after the cessation
of the monsoon.
9.
Planting
Before
planting the pits are filled up with top soil
and powdered cow dung / compost up to a depth
of 50 to 60 cm. Then take a small pit inside this,
so as to accommodate the nut attached to the seedling.
Plant the seedling inside this pit and fill up
with soil. Press the soil well so as to avoid
water stagnation. If there is chance for white-ant
attack apply Sevidol 8G(5gm.) inside the small
pit before planting.
In
laterite areas apply 2 kg common salt per pit
for improving the physical condition of the soil.
Burying 25 to 30 coconut husks per pit in layers
will be useful for moisture conservation.
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