Coconut Production Guide: Step-by-Step Information.

Coconut Production Guide

The coconut, a vital perennial crop with global significance, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and plays a crucial role in various industries, from food to cosmetics. Known scientifically as Cocos nucifera and belonging to the Arecaceae family, the coconut palm is a rain-fed perennial with immense economic value, primarily cultivated for its fruits, which are processed to extract coconut oil for cooking.

Recognizable by its erect or slightly curved stem emerging from a swollen base, the palm features a smooth, light gray trunk adorned with prominent leaf scars and is crowned by a spiral arrangement of 60–70 leaves. This coconut production guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step insights into coconut production, offering essential knowledge for cultivating this unique and highly valued plant.

Land Preparation

Preparing the land is a crucial initial step in coconut farming, as it establishes the groundwork for robust and productive coconut palms. The process starts with clearing the area of weeds, bushes, stones, and any debris that might obstruct growth or cultivation activities. After clearing, the soil is thoroughly ploughed to loosen it, improve its texture, and enhance aeration—factors vital for healthy root development.

The land is then leveled to facilitate proper drainage, as waterlogging can severely harm coconut plants by causing root rot or other diseases. To boost soil fertility and create optimal conditions for growth, organic materials such as farmyard manure, compost, or green manure are added. This not only enriches the soil but also improves its water retention and structure. Effective land preparation lays the foundation for successful coconut farming, promoting healthy growth and ensuring higher yields.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil types, such as sandy loam, laterite, and coastal alluvial soil, are ideal for coconut farming. For best growth, the pH range is between 5.2 and 8.0. Maintaining adequate drainage is crucial for the healthy and strong growth of coconut palms because it avoids waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other problems.

Climatic Requirements

Although it can withstand temperatures ranging from 20°C to 37°C, coconut farming grows in the ideal temperature range of 27°C to 32°C. Coconuts thrive in tropical and subtropical settings because they require constant warmth for proper growth and fruit production.

Coconut palms need 1,500–2,500 mm of rain every year, spread out evenly over the course of the year. To maintain soil moisture and guarantee healthy growth, additional irrigation is required in regions with insufficient or erratic rainfall. To avoid stress and promote nut production, an adequate supply of water is essential.

Furthermore, coconuts require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Photosynthesis, which is essential for growth and yield, is fueled by sunlight. Sunlight is essential for successful coconut farming because inadequate light can result in poor development and decreased output.

Major Cultivars

Planting

a). Planting Season

The planting season for coconuts spans from March to October, with the monsoon season being the most ideal time for planting.

b). Method of planting

• Square Method

Coconut palms are planted using the square method, which creates a consistent square grid layout by placing the palms at equal intervals along rows and columns. Farmers frequently use this approach since it is simple to use and oversee. However, because the equal spacing in all directions does not maximize land use efficiency, it leads to a lower planting density than the triangular method. However, because of its simplicity and ease of upkeep, the square approach is frequently used, particularly in smaller or less intensive agricultural setups.

• Triangular Method

When palms are planted in a staggered arrangement to create equilateral triangles, the triangular approach enhances both sunshine exposure and land usage efficiency while allowing for a higher planting density than the square method. Compare to the square method, the triangular method permits 15–20% more palms per acre.

c). Spacing

For coconut cultivation, spacing varies: tall varieties are planted at 8 m × 8 m, and dwarf varieties at 6.5 m × 6.5 m. In an 8-meter spacing, about 75% of the land remains underutilized, as the active root zone is within a 2-meter radius and 95% of roots are found 0–120 cm below ground. This unused space is ideal for intercropping with fruit crops, vegetables, spices, beverages, tubers, cereals, and legumes.

d). Pit Preparation

In coconut farming, pit preparation involves digging pits measuring 1 m × 1 m × 1 m and filling them with a mixture of topsoil, compost, and powdered rock phosphate to create optimal growth conditions for the seedlings. Each pit should be filled with 10–15 kg of compost and 300g of single super phosphate to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for healthy palm development.

e). Number of Plants per Acre

The number of coconut palm planted per acre depends on the variety. Using the square planting method, tall varieties can accommodate about 63 palms per acre, while dwarf varieties can support approximately 96 palms.

Intercropping

Intercropping in coconut farming involves cultivating suitable crops to enhance income and improve soil health. The choice of intercrops depends on the age of coconut palms and seasonal suitability.

a). Year-Round Intercropping

Suitable crops include banana, pineapple, black pepper, cocoa, and legumes. These crops thrive under coconut palms and can be grown throughout the year, especially in younger plantations (less than 5 years old) where the canopy is wider, allowing more sunlight for sun-loving plants.

b). Seasonal Intercropping (Annual Crops)

During the rainy season, crops like elephant foot yam, tapioca, sweet potato, ginger, turmeric, coleus, and yam are ideal for intercropping in coconut farms, as they thrive in moist conditions and generate significant profits. Among these, elephant foot yam and ginger yield the highest net returns per hectare, though they require more labor compared to tapioca and sweet potato.

Implementing crop rotation with intercrops such as tapioca, elephant foot yam, sweet potato, ginger, and turmeric can boost coconut yield by 5%, provided the same intercrop is not grown consecutively and both the intercrop and coconut palms are adequately manured. This approach ensures sustainable farming practices while maximizing productivity and income.

Irrigation

Insufficient soil moisture frequently hinders coconut production, particularly in regions with dry or irregular rainfall. Adult palms require 600–800 liters of water every 4–7 days in basins with a radius of 1.8 meters and a depth of 10–20 cm, making irrigation crucial, especially during the summer. Although seawater is not ideal for young palms younger than two years old, it can be used to irrigate adult palms in sandy coastal soils.

A consistent timetable is essential because irregular irrigation reduces yield and palm health. The most effective technique is drip irrigation, which saves water, minimizes effort, and provides the right amount of moisture for strong growth and increased output.

Irrigation Schedule for Coconut Plants

a). Seedling Stage (0–1 year)

Coconut seedlings require 10–15 liters of water per day to ensure consistent moisture, which is crucial for proper root establishment. Daily irrigation is recommended during this stage.

b). Young Plant Stage (1–3 years)

As the plant grows, water requirements increase to 20–30 liters every 2–3 days. Care should be taken to avoid waterlogging while ensuring adequate hydration for healthy development.

c). Pre-Bearing Stage (3–5 years)

During this stage, coconut palms need 40–50 liters of water twice a week to support canopy growth and root development. Maintaining consistent moisture levels is essential.

d). Bearing Stage (5 years and above)

Mature palms require 50–70 liters of water weekly to support nut development. Water intake should be increased during dry seasons to ensure optimal growth and yield.

e). Mature Stage (10 years and above)

Fully mature palms need 70–100 liters of water weekly, with adjustments based on rainfall. Supplemental irrigation is necessary during drought conditions to maintain productivity and palm health.

Fertilizer and Manure for Coconut Production

Coconut trees require balanced nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, for healthy growth and high yields. Proper fertilizer management, guided by soil testing, enhances crop quality and productivity.

Fertigation Schedule for Coconut Plants

a). At Transplanting

To encourage healthy root formation and supply vital nutrients for early growth, add 50 g of Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and Mycorrhiza (VAM) per palm during planting, coupled with 5 kg of FYM (Farmyard Manure) each plant.

b). First Year

Apply 110 g urea, 250 g superphosphate, and 225 g MOP (Muriate of Potash) per plant, and supplement with 10 kg of organic manure (FYM/compost) to ensure balanced nutrition and healthy growth.

c). Second Year

Apply 235 g urea, 174 g DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), and 500 g MOP per plant, along with 10 kg of organic manure (FYM/compost) and 470 g of 17:17:17 + 400 g of 20:20:0 balance fertilizer, to provide comprehensive nutrition and support robust growth.

d). Third Year

Apply 470 g urea, 348 g DAP, and 1000 g MOP per plant, supplemented with 10 kg of organic manure (FYM/compost) and 940 g of 17:17:17 + 800 g of 20:20:0 balance fertilizer, to ensure optimal nutrient supply and promote healthy growth and productivity.

e). Fourth Year

Apply 700 g urea, 522 g DAP, and 1500 g MOP per plant, along with 1410 g of 17:17:17 complex fertilizer + 1200 g of 20:20:0 balance fertilizer and 15–20 kg of organic manure (FYM/compost), to provide balanced nutrition and enhance soil fertility for sustained growth and high yields.

f). Fifth Year

Apply 940 g urea, 696 g DAP, and 2000 g MOP per plant annually, supplemented with 15–20 kg of organic manure (FYM/compost) and 1880 g of 17:17:17 + 1600 g of 20:20:0 balance fertilizer, to ensure comprehensive nutrient supply and maintain soil health for optimal growth and productivity.

Time, Frequency, and Method of Fertilizer Application

When soil moisture levels are sufficient, fertilizers ought to be applied. Use two divided dosages in rainfed conditions: one-third in April–June and two-thirds in September–October. Apply three or four equal dosages in April-May, August-September, December, and February-March for irrigated conditions.

In April and May, lime or dolomite is added; in August and September, magnesium sulphate; and in June and July, organic matter. Every year, a mature palm needs 1 kg of lime and 0.5 kg of MgSO4. After the southwest monsoon, fertilizers are deposited in circular basins that are 10 cm deep and 2.0 m from the base. In the summer, split doses can also be administered with irrigation water.

Magnesium and Boron Application

Apply 500 g MgSO4 per palm yearly. For boron deficiency (causing malformed leaves, nut cracking, and flower drying), use 50 g Borax twice monthly after symptoms appear. In root (wilt) disease areas, apply 300 g Borax per seedling and 500 g per adult tree. Adding 500 g MgO per palm helps manage root (wilt) disease and boosts productivity.Biofertilizer Recommendation:

Biofertilizers, such as 50 g each of Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and mycorrhiza (VAM) per palm, enhance soil fertility and support healthy coconut growth by hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Additionally, salt fertilizers (NaCl) are cost-effective and eco-friendly, boosting coconut production by improving crop growth, increasing copra weight, and reducing leaf spot damage. Apply 1.5 kg NaCl per tree annually, with split doses during the pre-bearing stage (1–4 years) to minimize nutrient loss. This method is especially beneficial in sandy soils or areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, ensuring optimal copra yield (Magat, 1999).

Weed Control

Weeds in coconut plantations compete for nutrients and moisture, reducing growth, yield, and profitability, with weed control accounting for 20% of production costs. Effective solutions include intercropping and mixed cropping systems, which suppress weeds, improve soil health, and boost yields.

Tillage techniques like plowing, digging, and raking, done twice yearly (June–July and December–January), also help. For chemical control, use pre-emergence atrazine (1.0 kg a.i./ha) for broad-leaved weeds and post-emergence glyphosate (10 ml + 20 g ammonium sulphate + 2 ml soap per liter) for non-selective weed control. These methods ensure weed-free plantations and optimize coconut production.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a). Rhinoceros beetle

Damage symptoms include a cut or toppled central spindle, fully opened fronds with distinctive diamond-shaped cuttings, and holes surrounded by chewed fibers at the base of the central spindle.

Management

In order to attract and eradicate rhinoceros beetles, place rhinolure pheromone traps at a density of one trap per two hectares. Additionally, to protect the plants and discourage infestations, put 150g of neem seed or kernel powder combined with sand (1:2 ratio) at the base of each palm’s three innermost crown leaves.

b). Red Palm Weevil

The central shoot in the crown is gradually wilting, inner leaves are turning yellow, and there are holes in the trunk with brownish ooze.

Management
Every three months, apply a 2:1 combination of fine sand and neem seed or kernel powder to the crown and axils of the top three leaves to avoid damage from rhinoceros beetles and to discourage the laying of eggs by red palm weevils.

c). Bark Weevil

Symptoms of damage include reddening of petioles and trunks, particularly around wounds, and trees exhibiting signs of stem bleeding disease.

Management

Inject 0.2% fenthion or 0.2% dichlorvos into the stem using a stove wick, plug the hole, and repeat the treatment with the same wick and hole after one month.

d). Black headed caterpillar

The appearance of silk galleries and frass on the underside of the leaflets, as well as dried-up spots on the bottom leaflets, are signs of damage.

Management
In the event of a major epidemic breakout of the pest in young palms, thoroughly spray the underside of the leaves with 50 EC 0.05% (1mi/lit) of malathion.

Common Diseases

a). Bud rot

One or two younger leaves turning yellow is the first sign. The spindle leaves have black dots on them. The leaf’s basal tissues decompose rapidly and are readily separated from the crown. As the infection spreads to the older leaves, the entire leaf blade becomes covered in sunken leaf spots.

Management
Use Bordeaux mixture and remove infected parts.

b). Stem bleeding

The exudation of a dark reddish-brown liquid from stem wounds and fissures, which trickles down and dries into a black crust as the condition worsens, is a telltale sign of stem bleeding. The underlying tissues degrade as a result of the lesions spreading upward, turning first yellow and later black.

In extreme situations, the outer leaves get yellow, dry, and prematurely shed, while the inside of the trunk deteriorates and becomes hollow. A tapering trunk apex and a decreased crown size are the long-term effects of this significant damage, which also lowers bunch production and promotes nut fall.

c). Leaf Rot

Water-soaked brown lesions on spear leaves are the initial sign of root-wilt-affected palms. These lesions grow and clump together, resulting in widespread rotting. The decaying, dried parts of the leaf break off in the wind as it unfolds, giving the leaves a “fan” form. In extreme situations, the spear does not fully unfold.

Harvesting

Coconuts are harvested at different stages: 12-month-old nuts every 30–45 days for seed, copra, and culinary use; 7–8-month-old nuts for tender coconut; and 11-month-old nuts for coir fiber. Tall varieties can be stored for 2–3 months, while dwarf and hybrid nuts must be sown within 10–15 days. On average, eight harvests occur yearly. For oil, nuts are dried to 5–6% moisture and stored in polythene-coated bags. West Coast Tall palms yield 1.7–2 tons of oil per hectare under rainfed conditions.

Harvesting involves climbing trees, tapping nuts to check maturity, and cutting bunches, which are dropped or lowered for tender nuts. Dry leaves and spathes are removed, though cutting green leaves for thatching reduces yield. For ball copra, nuts are left until fully ripe and dry.

Yield

Depending on the cultivar, coconut yields vary on average. Tall variants provide 80 to 100 nuts per palm annually, and dwarf varieties yield 70 to 80 nuts per palm. The largest output, however, is provided by hybrid kinds, which produce 100–130 nuts per palm per year.

Post Harvest

For best quality, nuts should be collected when fully grown. To avoid injury, bunches of seed nuts or tender coconuts should be carefully lowered using ropes. Copra needs to be sun-dried or dried with copra driers until it has a moisture level of 6%. Copra can have a six-month shelf life if it is stored in gunny sacks covered with polythene tar. When storing nuts in the home, they should be stored vertically. Although dehusking, which was once accomplished by hand with an iron rod, requires a lot of work and skill, mechanical equipment is now frequently utilized for efficiency.

Copra Processing

The ideal moisture content for copra is 5-6%. Common drying methods include sun drying, smoke drying, kiln drying, and indirect hot air drying. Sun drying, the traditional method, involves spreading split coconuts in open areas for about 8 days, but it risks dirt accumulation and quality deterioration, especially in cloudy weather.

Solar dryers, such as the closed-type solar cabinet dryer developed by CPCRI, reduce drying time to 3-4 days and prevent dirt contamination. Indirect drying methods include small holder dryers (400 nuts/batch), large holder dryers (3,500-4,000 nuts/batch), smoke-free dryers for medium holdings (1,000 nuts/batch), and electrical dryers (1,000 nuts/batch), each offering efficient and faster drying solutions.

Specialized Copra Products

Ball copra, a premium-quality product, is made by storing fully mature nuts for 10-12 months until the kernel detaches from the shell. CPCRI has developed dryers to shorten this process using heat treatments. Copra grading is based on moisture content (max 10%), foreign matter (max 2%), and black copra (max 5). High-quality copra should meet these standards to ensure market value and consumer satisfaction.