Coconut Originating from tropical regions, coconut palms have been cultivated for centuries for their nutritious fruit, versatile fibers, and valuable timber.
These majestic trees, reaching heights of 50 to 80 feet, boast evergreen leaves that sway gracefully in tropical breezes. Beneath their verdant canopy, clusters of coconuts, nature’s bounty, develop over time.
Thriving in coastal areas with well-draining soil, coconut palms take around 7-12 years to produce coconuts and can yield up to 75 ripe fruits per year. Remarkably, they can remain productive for up to 80 years, offering valuable resources to communities.
Ideal for regions with ample rainfall and high humidity, coconut palms flourish near coastal areas. In colder climates, greenhouse cultivation is recommended to ensure optimal growth.
Botanical Name: Cocos nucifera
Common Name: Coconut Palm
Family: Arecaceae
Plant Type: Palm tree
Hardiness Zones: 10 – 12 (USDA)
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy
Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0
Maturity: 7 – 12 years
Height: 50 – 80 feet
Spacing: 25 – 30 feet
Bloom Time: Year-round
Optimal Soil Conditions
For optimal coconut cultivation, prioritize soils like red sandy loam, laterite, and alluvial soils. Look for sites with deep, well-drained soil of at least 1.5 meters depth, avoiding heavy, poorly drained soil. Shallow soils with hard rock underneath, low-lying areas prone to water stagnation, and heavy clayey soils should be avoided. Aim for soil with a minimum depth of 1.2 meters and good water holding capacity. Alternatively, coconut thrives in lands reclaimed by layering sand and clay. Ensure proper moisture supply through rainfall or irrigation and adequate drainage. Coconut can thrive in soils with pH ranging from 5.2 to 8.6.
Land Preparations
The land preparation process prior to planting depends on factors such as the land’s topography, soil type, and environmental conditions. Begin by cleaning the area and marking out planting holes in suitable locations. If the land is sloped, implement soil conservation methods. In areas with high groundwater levels, consider planting on mounds. For sloped or undulating terrain, use contour terracing or bunding techniques. In low-lying areas and rice fields, create mounds at least 1 meter above the water level. In reclaimed areas like kayals, plant on the field bunds.
Field Layout
While various planting systems exist, selecting the appropriate one based on factors like soil, climate, and plant type is crucial. Improper selection can lead to issues such as overlapping plant parts, competition for resources like water and light, and uneven distribution of nutrients, ultimately resulting in poor performance.
Common layout systems include the Square, Rectangular, Triangular, Hedge, and Contour systems, widely practiced in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka states.
Formulas for calculating the number of plants per unit area in different layout systems are as follows:
Square Layout: \( \frac{S}{L^2} \)
– Where \( S \) represents the unit surface and \( L \) represents the side length of the square pattern.
Rectangular Layout: \( \frac{S}{L_1 \times L_2} \)
– Where \( S \) represents the unit surface, \( L_1 \) represents the shorter side of the rectangle, and \( L_2 \) represents the longer side of the rectangle.
Triangular Layout: \( \frac{S}{d^2} \times 0.866 \)
– Where \( S \) represents the unit surface and \( d \) represents the length of the triangle side.
Hedge System: \( \frac{N \times 100,000,000}{Y \times (X + Z)} \)
– Where \( N \) represents the number of lines in a hedge (double hedge = 2), \( Y \) represents the distance between plants in a line, \( X \) represents the distance between hedges, and \( Z \) represents the distance between lines.
(i) In Sri Lanka, for tall coconut varieties, spacing of 26′ x 26′ (8.5 x 8.5 m) with 168 plants per hectare is ideal, while hybrids thrive best with a spacing of 8.5 x 8.5 m. Optimum spacing for dwarf varieties is 6.5 x 6.5 m. For border planting in a single row, maintain a spacing of 20′ between plants.
Particulars Spacing
Tall varieties 7.5 x 7.5 m (25’ x 25’)
Dwarf varieties 6.5 x 6.5 m (20’ x 20’)
Hybrids 8.5 x 8.5 m (26’ x 26’)
(ii) In Sri Lanka, different planting systems offer varying spacings and plant densities:
Planting System Spacing Approximate number of plants/ha
Triangular 7.6 m 198
Square 7.6 to 9 m 170-120
Single hedge 5 m in rows 220
*Spacing options may vary.
Planting
The size of planting pits varies based on soil type and water table levels. For loamy soils with a low water table, a pit size of 1 x 1 x 1 m is recommended. In laterite soils with underlying rock, larger pits measuring 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.2 m are preferable. Sandy soils may require smaller pits sized at 0.75 x 0.75 x 0.75 m.
Pits should be filled with topsoil and powdered cow dung or compost, leaving a 60 cm gap below ground level. Soil should be compacted to prevent water stagnation. In low-lying areas, shallow pits can be initially dug, gradually raising ground levels as the plant grows by adding silt and sand to cover the entire trunk.
In high-water table areas, planting at the surface or on mounds may be necessary. Burial of two layers of husks in the pit floor aids in moisture conservation, with concave surfaces facing upwards. After each layer, carbaryl 10% dust should be sprinkled to deter termite colonization.
Note: In lateritic areas, applying 2 kg of common salt per pit six months before planting can improve soil conditions. Additionally, for potential white-ant attacks, apply 5 gm of Sevidol 8 G inside each small pit before planting.
Caring younger Coconut tree
During the initial two years post-planting, irrigate each seedling with 45 liters of water once every four days, particularly in dry summer months. Ensure adequate shading for transplanted seedlings and provide staking to prevent wind damage. Proper drainage is essential, especially in waterlogged areas. In littoral soils, apply 0.15 m3 of red earth.
Regularly clear weeds from the pits and remove soil washed down by rain covering the seedling collar. Each year, widen the pits before applying manure, and gradually refill them as the seedlings grow. Regularly inspect palms for signs of insect or fungal infestations, taking prompt remedial action when necessary.
