Significance of non applied elements in coconut productivity

Abstract

A critical evaluation of nutritional factors involved in coconut productivity was carried out during 1991-1994. West coast tall palms aged 25 to 35 years varying in yield from 6-163 nuts per year growing in three locations. viz. Regional agricultural research station, pilicode , agricultural research station , msnnuthy and coconut research station, Balaramapuram under regular management constituted the experimental material. The relationship of individual nutrient contents in respect of 10 elements were worked out. First order nutrient ratios in respect of these elemets were also studeid. The results showed that continuous use of conventional fertilizers have lead to a stage of negative response for them. It also indicated that deficiency of non recommended and non applied elements like Mg and S and excess of Ca, Fe and Mn limits coconut yield. This points to importance of balanced nutrition for problem management and better productivity in coconut.