High Density Coconut Plantation – Spacing, Yield

High Density Coconut Plantation

Hello friends, we are here today with a topic of high density coconut plantation. Coconut (Cocosnucifera) plays an important role in the agrarian economy of India and the Coconut tree belongs to the palm family. Coconut is the fruit of the coco palm, a tree widely distributed through tropical regions. The Coconut palm is an essential component in the homestead system of farming on the west coast of India. Coconut oil also used in the manufacture of soaps, hair oil, cosmetics, and other industrial products. Now, let us get into the process of high density coconut plantation.

A Step by Step Guide to High Density Coconut Plantation

Guide to High Density Coconut Plantation
Guide to High Density Coconut Plantation (Image credit: pixabay)

Usually, Coconuts are expected to have originated from the India-Indonesia region. It refers to the entire palm; it is botanically a drupe and not a nut. The inner flesh of the Coconut is an important part of the food for the people of the tropics and subtropics areas. Then, this drupe is considered highly versatile due to its use in a wide range of products. This is different from other fruits because it contains a clear liquid in the endosperm and is generally called Coconut milk. In India, Coconut finds significance in religion and culture and is commonly used for various rituals.

High density Coconut planting means to increase the plantation of the same species of plants per unit area without affecting the quality of fruits. It increases production and returns per unit area; it is efficient land use and resources like light, water, and fertilizers, efficient pesticide application. The main aim of the high density plantation is to meet essential productivity requirements by balancing vegetative and productive growth without affecting the quality of the fruit.

When Coconut is grown in monoculture it can be an advantage to plant at reasonably high densities for two reasons. They are;

  • The shading effect produced by the Coconut canopy at higher densities results in less weed growth leading to a reduction in maintenance costs.
  • Loss of palms due to natural causes and the difficulty of bringing up supplies to the point of bearing result in an appreciable loss in the total crop from a widely spaced plantation, whereas, loss in total crop would be minimal with high density planting.

Advantages of High Density Planting

  • Low cost per unit production
  • Allow mechanization in fruit crops
  • Improved fruit yield and quality
  • Efficient use of applied and natural resources
  • High density planting reduces labor cost resulting in low cost of production.
  • Enables the mechanization of fruit crop production.
  • High density facilitates the efficient use of fertilizers, water, fungicides, weedicides, and pesticides.
  • Induces precocity, increases crop yield, and improves Coconut quality.
  • HDP gives better utilization of solar radiation and increases in bearing surface per unit land area.
  • HDP crops are precocious, easily manageable, and fetch higher returns per unit area.
  • The use of dwarf trees and managing excessive vegetative development gives higher productivity and harvest index as well as early economic returns.
  • High density planting is more amenable to horticultural operations such as pruning, plant protection measures, and harvesting which reduces the labor cost involved.

The high-density planting helps to increase Coconut production and improve quality in the long term. Generally, high density planting requires agriculture machinery from the initial stage to the final harvesting stage. Those are;

  • Earth auger helps to make a hole for planting.
  • For removing weeds and soil, turning intra cultivar is helpful.
  • Pruning tools are used to remove unnecessary branches from the tree.
  • Orchard Sprayers are useful for efficient pesticide application.
  • Fruit picker for harvesting Coconuts without causing damage.

Varieties for High Density Coconut Plantation in India

There are several varieties of Coconuts famous throughout southern India. These varieties can be divided into two types. They are;

  • Tall
  • Dwarf

Tall Varieties of Coconut – Tall Coconut varieties are West Coast Tall, East Coast Tall, Chandrakalpa, Andaman Ordinary/ VPM-3, Tiptur Tall, Kera Sagara, and Kerachandra.

Hybrid Varieties of Coconut – Hybrid varieties of Coconuts are crosses between Coconut varieties. Then, these are better than the original as they show early fruiting, have higher quantities of oil content, and an increased number of fruits per tree. Examples of hybrid varieties are Kera Sankara, Chandra Shankara, Chandra Laksha, Ananda Ganga, and Lakshaganga.

The dwarf type commences yielding 3 to 4 years after planting while ordinary tall commences yielding 6 to 7 years after planting. The important dwarf Coconut varieties cultivated are Chowaghat Orange Dwarf, Chowaghat Green Dwarf, Malayan Green Dwarf, Malayan Orange Dwarf, and Malayan Yellow Dwarf. Laccadive Ordinary, Laccadive Micro, TipturTall, Kappadam, Komadam, and Andaman Ordinary are some of the tall varieties grown in the country.

Coconut Production in India

Coconut is one of the important crops in the country. The 3rd largest producer of Coconut in the world is India. Generally, Coconut is grown in more than 93 countries of the world, and India, Indonesia; the Philippines are the major Coconut producing countries of the world. Coconut cultivating states in India are Kerala, Tamilnadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Goa, and Andaman and Nicobar. Several states such as Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, Bihar, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh have emerged as non-traditional areas for the cultivation of Coconut.

Agro Climatic Conditions in High Density Coconut Plantation

Coconut tree thrives best at 27°C. Coconut tree prefers tropical weather and a humidity of 60% is feasible. There have been cases where Coconut is grown in hot weather conditions as long as the humidity is conducive. A rainfall of 2000 mm is ideal for high yield in Coconuts. For Coconut plantation, water stagnation, poor soil conditions, and rocky areas are not suitable.

Soil Suitable For High Density Coconut Plantation

Coconut tree thrives in sandy soil. Clay soil is not feasible for Coconut farming. Alluvial, Laterite, Red Sandy loom soil, and Coastal soil are the most preferred soil types for Coconut cultivation. Soil pH level should be between 5 and 8 for optimal growth of Coconut trees and high yield. It’s also important to note that there must be no water retention and proper drainage of water should be maintained. The moisture must remain in the water for a longer period without flooding the area for more than a few hours a day. Coconut tree also requires full sunlight, though partial shade is tolerated. Remove canopies and shade trees from the surroundings where Coconut trees are planted. Laterite, alluvial, red sandy loam, and coastal sandy and reclaimed soils are the soil types that support Coconut plantation in India.

Selection of Site for High Density Coconut Plantation

For Coconut cultivation, soil with a minimum depth of about 1.2 meters and fairly good water holding capacity is preferred. Proper moisture supply through well-distributed irrigation is essential for Coconut plantation. The selection and inclusion of crop components are influenced by the climate and by household preferences, and dietary habits.

If the land is sloppy, soil conservation methods must be adopted. If the groundwater level is high planting can be taken up in the mounds. Coconut-based high density multispecies cropping system with Cocoa, Banana, Elephant Foot Yam, and Heliconia crops has been established with high net profit.

Germination and Propagation Methods in High Density Coconut Plantation

Coconut propagation has no dormancy and requires no specific treatment for germination. However, the speed of germination changes within and among Coconut ecotypes and varieties. Dwarf and some Tall Coconut varieties, such as the Malayan Tall, germinate while still on the palm. Other varieties like the West African Tall and most Pacific Coconut populations can take up to 8 weeks to germinate. Generally, 90% of seeds will germinate. Then, the remaining 10% seeds are discarded, failing to germinate due to the pathogenic infection of the seed interior caused by the fracture of the shell, after sprouting in the first 3 months of planting. During the germination process, the Coconut haustorium starts to develop. Under accurate conditions, this germinated Coconut will grow into a seedling.

The Coconut palm is propagated by seeds. Since the productivity of the palm mainly depends on the quality of the seedlings, utmost importance should be given to select the best nuts. The mother palm must be within the age group of about 20 to 40 years.

The important features of a mother plant are;

  • The Coconut tree must be a regular bearer that forms at least one leaf and inflorescence every month.
  • Leaf scars should be closely spaced and the trunk of the tree must be stout.
  • The Crown of the tree must be spherical or semi-spherical.
  • The age of the plant must be 25 to 40 years.
  • It must be a high yielding variety producing a minimum of about 100 nuts a year.
  • Most importantly the tree must be disease-free.
  • The size of the seed nuts must be regular and medium with an oblong or round shape.

Seed nuts are sown in the nursery beds of 1 to 1.5 meters wide with an average spacing of beds being 75 cm during the commencement of the rainy season. Nursery beds with poor drainage have raised beds for proper germination. The beds should be drenched with chlorpyriphos by 0.05% before sowing to avoid termite problems.

Seed nuts are soaked for 24 to 36 hours before sowing. The seed nut is planted horizontally with wide segments at the top or vertically with the stalk end facing outward. Seed germination is expected within 60 to 130 days after sowing for tall plant varieties and within 30 to 95 days for dwarf plant varieties. The seedlings are ready for transplantation after 5 months from sowing.

Best Planting Time and Season for High Density Coconut Plantation

Firstly, seedlings can be transplanted at the beginning of the south-west monsoon. If irrigation facilities are obtainable, it is advisable to take up planting at least a month before the onset of the monsoon. Also, planting can be taken up before the onset of the north-east monsoon.

Weather plays a major role in the growth of Coconut palm, the first few years. Also, Coconut requires a bit of water, but not too much during the first few years. The saplings must not be drowned in water. High monsoon areas must plant Coconuts right after the monsoon ends. August/September is the right planting time in Kerala. For areas with the lower monsoon, Coconut plantation takes place right before Monsoon. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are parts that have lower rainfall and plant their Coconuts around June / July. It’s the same for Gujarat and other northern parts. The plantation time is not always general. If you are in coastal areas with high rainfall, we recommend that you plant Coconut saplings right after the monsoon.

Coconut Planting Seasons in India

Tamil Nadu – Planting the seedlings during June – July, December – January.

Kerala – Planting the seedlings during May is ideal for Coconuts. Under assured irrigation, Coconut planting can be done during April.

Karnataka – May – June is ideal for planting the seedlings.

Spacing Requirement for High Density Coconut Plantation

The Coconut grower wishing to maximize pasture growth as well as yields of copra must use the least number of palms per hectare required to realize this goal. For tall Coconut, varieties recommended spacing about 7 × 7 m to 9.1 × 9.1 m and palm densities from 120 to 200 trees per hectare. Where pastures are established under palms at closer spacing and higher densities then light transmission values will be lower.

Multi-Tier System in High Density Coconut Plantation

High Density Planting (HDP) is the planting method, different types of plants with different height and light intensities. In high density utilize the maximum unit area. Since plant different kinds of plants, we can obtain yield throughout the year. It also helps the farmer to remain distinct from others in profitable marketing. In the future, we have to switch over to high density through Multiple Cropping Systems and Multi-Tier Systems. In some conditions, Multi-Tier System in high density planting is most suitable. Hence this process fulfils the satisfaction of the planter and helps him to increase profit. Multi-Tier System is a planting of growing crops together example is Coconut + pepper + pineapple + grass.

Multi-Tier System is a modern method of crop cultivation involving the planting of various trees and ease of mechanized operations. It makes maximum use of land to achieve high crop yields in early periods of orchard life along with ease in its management. It is successful in crops like Coconut, coffee, banana, and areca, etc.

Multi-Tier System in High Density Coconut Planting would help the planter in increasing profit. High density planting keeps the planter engaged all through the year. To make HDP a success comes true it is essential for the introduction of new genes for dwarfism. Growing dwarf Coconut plants more suitable for high density planting would help the planter to take a non-linear jump in the profit rate. Growing Coconut as monocrop is not an efficient way of using natural resources. Also, in India, Coconut is primarily a crop of small and marginal farmers.

In case if you miss this: Contract Farming In India.

Advantages of Multi Storied Cropping System

  • Increase income per unit area -An advantage of a mixture of species has been assimilated to a higher yield of the mixture when compared with monocultures as the same proportion.
  • Trees and cover crops also enhance the soil carbon content, thus participating in climate change mitigation.
  • Reduce the impacts of hazards such as the high intensity of light, rainfall, soil erosion, flood, and landslides.
  • Efficiently utilize natural resources like soil, water, sunlight, and nutrients.
  • Improve soil health and erosion soil fertility.
  • Reduce weed, pest, and disease incidence-Reduction of insect population due to the diversity of crops development and reduction of plant disease because the distance between plants of the same species is increased. Reduction of weed through allelopathy and covering crop.
  • Enrich biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

Manures and Fertilizers Requirements in High Density Coconut Plantation

  • Manuring should be done in such a way that each Coconut tree should annually receive 500: 320: 1200g NPK. In the case of young trees, the nutrient dose must be given at the rate of 1/4th of the adult dose during the third month after planting, 1/2 dose during the second year, 3/4th dose during the 3rd year, and full dose from the fourth year onwards.
  • From the 5th year onwards, apply about 50 kg of FYM or compost or green manure. Apply manures and fertilizers in circular basins of about 1.8 meters from the base of the palm, incorporate and irrigate. Though, during 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year ¼, ½ and ¾ doses of the above fertilizer schedule adopted respectively. Sufficient moisture must be present at the time of manuring. Fertigation can be done at monthly intervals with 75% of the recommended dose of the above fertilizers.
  • Phosphorus can be applied as superphosphate in the basins and incorporated through drip irrigation when a good quality of water is obtainable. Carefully apply fertilizers in 2 split doses, 1/3 at the time of early southwest monsoon showers in April-June and 2/3 in September-October under rain-fed conditions. Then, apply lime or dolomite during April-May, magnesium sulphate during August-September, and organic matter during June-July. For an adult Coconut palm, 1 kg dolomite or 1 kg lime + 0.5 kg MgSO4 is required per annum. Micronutrients by 2 kg/palm once a year should be applied to avoid any micro-nutrient disorders.
  • It is essential for applying manure first planting season to achieve high productivity. The organic manure must not exceed 50kg per palm annually. Common organic manure is blood meal, bone meal, farm waste, groundnut cake, and compost. Then, to increase organic matter use cover crops or green manure.

Irrigation Requirement for High Density Coconut Plantation

Regular irrigation also helps to increase the fruit set and improve size. Though, stagnation of water and ill drained conditions should be strictly avoided. Areas with low rainfall should consider irrigation and the farmer need to take into consideration soil type, palm type, and weather condition.

An adult palm tree requires an average of about 700 liters of water once a week. Also, irrigation applies to matured established plants of 2 years and above. Use drip irrigation method and apply seawater if available.

When irrigation is given through drip, and it results in saving of water. Drought in Coconut gardens can be managed by adopting soil moisture conservation practices such as the burial of husk, application or composted coir pith, and FYM or farm waste in the Coconut basin by taking 20 to 30 cm trench in the basin area of 1.8 meters radius.

Pests and Diseases Control in High Density Coconut Plantation

The major pests and diseases of Coconut palm include;

Coconut is susceptible to various pests like Rhinocerous beetle, Red palm weevil, Slug Caterpillar, Black-headed caterpillar, Eriophyid Mite of Coconut, Coreid bug, White grub, Termite, Leaf Eating Caterpillar, and Cockchafer Beetle are the major insect pests. Occasionally mealybug, rat, and slug also become troublesome. Bud rot and leaf rot and root wilt can cause severe damage to Coconut palms.

Controlling Measure – For controlling the measure of pests in Coconut suitable remedial should be adopted when required. Providing good drainage and feeding the Coconut palms with balanced nutrition is useful to keep palms healthy.

The major diseases of Coconut trees include the following;

Coconut is susceptible to various diseases like Gray Leave Blight, Lethal Bole Rot, Stem Bleeding Disease, Bud Rot, Leaf rot, Root (wilt) disease, Mahali, Thanjavur wilt, Crown chocking, Grey Leaf Spot, Leaf blight, and Lethal Yellowing diseases. Some pests that can cause damage to the Coconut trees are Coconut bug, Coconut beetle, Coconut scale, and red ring nematodes.

Controlling Measures – Initially, learn the symptoms of Coconut palm diseases and adopt a suitable controlling measure for controlling them as sooner they appear in the field. Most diseases can be prevented through well-drained soil and avoidance of damage to tree trunks, particularly during transplanting. The use of insect traps, chemical sprays, and the removal of materials that can be habitats to diseases causing organisms has proven to be effective to control diseases and pests of Coconut palm.

When and How to Harvest Coconuts

Coconuts take around 1 year to ripen fully. If you want to harvest the fruit for the Coconut water, the fruit is ready 6 to 7 months after emergence. Coconut trees are productive throughout the year. However, the yield may change from season to season. Though, due to practical economic reasons, harvesting for copra production usually takes place every 45 to 90 days. Usually, harvesting must be done at their tender age for water purposes. Also, the harvesting frequency depends on the palms yield.

The Yield and Profit in High Density Coconut Plantation

The yield of Coconut palms depends on different factors like the selected variety, soil type, irrigation facility, application of manure and fertilizers during the cultivation.

The high density planting systems have given a high yield per unit area as well as high net profit in a 15-year-old plantation. In Coconut cultivation, the high density systems give a high yield as well as high net profit. Though, the profit margin between the standard coconut density 64 palms/acre and the highest density Coconut planting 97 palms/acre is Rs. 673/- taking into account the cost of fertilizer, its application cost, and packing charges.

Commonly Asked Questions about High Density Coconut Plantation

Questions about Coconut Plantation
Questions about Coconut Plantation (pic source: pixabay)

Which state produces a large number of Coconuts in India?

Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Coconut in India and enjoys a share of 31% of total Coconut production in India.

Is Coconut plantation profitable?

On a commercial basis, the cultivation of Coconut trees is profitable and a source of sustainable income.

How can we improve Coconut farming?

Coconut tree responds well to summer irrigation i.e. summer irrigation by 40 liters per palm per week will increase the nuts yield by 50%. In regions where water is scarce drip irrigation systems can be adopted.

3 COMMENTS

  1. The article on coconut farming is very useful. Please provide details of coconut saplings availability in Telangana.

  2. I belong to Garhwa,Jharkhandi have more than 200 acres land and i want to start high density coconut farming

  3. I want to cultivate 4.5 acres of my land (Near Hosdurga Taluk, Chitradurga district ) with High density coconut plants.
    Kindly give me your contact number and address for further communication.

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