Influence of biomass partitioning and nutrient uptake on yield of arecanut (Areca catechu L.) grown on a laterite soil.

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted on a laterite soil to study biomass partitioning and nutrient-uptake pattern in the aboveground parts of arecanut palm and their relationships to yield. Total biomass production was significantly greater in high-yielding plants (43.6 kg palm−1) than in low-yielding plants (30.8 kg palm−1). Total standing biomass of trunk accounted for 69–74% of the total aboveground biomass in arecanut palm. Dry-matter partitioning to kernel was only 4–10% of the total biomass. The uptake of major nutrients varied significantly between low- and high-yielding plants. Calcium (Ca) uptake was greater by trunk than by other parts, while magnesium (Mg) accumulation was similar in trunk and leaf. The uptake of micronutrients by aboveground parts except leaf was significantly different between low- and high- -yielding plants. The present study indicated that combined effect of greater biomass production and nutrient uptake had direct impact on marketable yield of arecanut.