Drought management practices to save coconut trees

Proper soil and moisture conservation practices are vital for drought management of coconut palms. DROUGHT MANAGEMENT is an important aspect in coconut cultivation. Though some varieties have been observed to tolerate protracted dry spells, farmers should adopt some simple techniques to mitigate the effects of drought on this commercially important crop. "Proper soil and moisture conservation practices are vital for better performance of coconut palms, especially in slopes and undulated terrains," said Dr. Kasturi Bai, head of plant breeding and Dr. Nareshkumar, senior scientist at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala. Regular ploughing or digging of the interspaces of coconut palms twice a year will contribute to good soil moisture conservation, according to them. The first digging should be done just before the onset of the southwest monsoon, and the second at the fag end of that monsoon. Organic mulching is an important technique for moisture conservation. The basins around the base of the coconut palms can be mulched with coir dust, coconut husks, green leaves, dried leaves, organic wastes and dried coconut leaves. The mulching is best done before the end of the northeast monsoon and before the topsoil dries up, explained the scientists. Application of sufficient quantities of organic manure will not only improve soil structure, but also improve its nutrient status to support growth of the coconut palms. Ripe farmyard manure, composted crop and animal residues, vermi-compost and green leaf manure and other biodegradable wastes can be effectively used in the coconut groves to improve the soil texture and nutrient levels. The increased organic content in the soil will also enhance its water retention capacity in the sandy soils. In clayey soils, it will help in loosening the structure and make it more porous, thus facilitating better aeration in the root zone and good drainage. It will also help in efficient intake of water and nutrients, according to the scientists. Coconut husks may be buried in the basins around the base of the palms or in the interspaces. It will help in the absorption of large quantities of water, which will be taken by the coconut palms. "The beneficial effect of burying the husks will last for seven years. The husk can be buried either in linear trenches taken 3 metres away from the trunk between the rows of palms, or in circular trenches taken around the palms at a distance of 2 metres from the trunk. The trenches may be dug with 50 cm width to a depth of 50 cm. The husks are to be arranged in layers with concave surface facing upwards and covered with soil," explained the scientists. Coir pith can also be buried at the rate of 25 kg per palm per year. Measures such as contour bunding and terracing can be taken up in slopes for conserving soil moisture and arresting soil erosion, according to the scientists.