SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE OF BEST FARMERS’ NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) IN KERALA

Abstract

Field investigation through stratified random sampling was undertaken during 2010-11 in 53 high yielding coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) gardens located in 17 agro ecological units (AEUs) of Kerala, India to determine production potential of coconut, assess yield disparity between best and common farmer managed coconut garden and develop nutrient management plan based on best farmers’ management practices. AEUs having high production potential were Onattukara Sandy Plain, Northern Laterites, Southern Laterites and Southern Coastal Plains with yields of 250, 208, 180 and 180 nuts/palm/year respectively. AEUs having low production potential were Kole Lands, Wayanad Central Plateau, Kuttanad and North Central Laterites with yields of 60, 86, 100 and 110 nuts/palm/year respectively. Yield disparity in AEUs varied from 36 to 987%. Proposed nutrient management plan involves application of 1 kg burnt lime, on farm composting with 60 kg organic manures comprising of 30 kg each green leaf manure and farm yard manure, application of 1 kg Factamfos, 0.5 kg muriate of potash, 1.5 kg common salt, 0.5 kg magnesium sulphate and 50 g borax to each palm every year.