Banana and pepper are grown mostly as intercrops in coconut garden. Of late, various exotic fruit crops like rambutan, mangosteen and avocado have been introduced in Chowta’s farm as intercrops along with coconut and arecanut palms and also as pure crops. Cocoa is raised as mixed crop in his five acre arecanut garden.
Which is best crop between coconut trees?
Among the mixed crops tested, banana is found to be the most important intercrop for coconut garden.
What crops can be grown with coconut?
3.12 Coconut based cropping systems
During 10-22 years of age of the palms, crop like colocasia which can tolerate shade can be cultivated. In older plantations, perennials like cocoa, pepper, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg can be grown as mixed crops along with intercrops.
What system of planting is recommended if you intercropping banana and coconut plantation?
In intercropping with banana, fertilization of coconut should be separate from banana according to the following: WHY BANANA? Their basic climatic requirements are almost the same. After clearing the interspaces of coconut, mark the required distance: 3 x 3 m for Lakatan and Latundan; 5 x 5 m for Cardaba/Saba.
How do you increase the yield of a coconut tree?
Manuring. Regular manuring from the first year of planting is essential to achieve higher productivity. For coconut 20 – 50 kg organic manure should be applied per palm per year with the onset of south west monsoon, when soil moisture content is high.
Can we grow coconut and mango together?
In mango farms, many plants such as coconut, areca, lemon, guava, papaya, fig, banana, jack, pepper, can be grown as intercrops.
How much can we earn from 1 acre coconut trees?
Total profits from coconut production – Total revenue (Rs. 50,000) – Labour & material costs (Rs. 26,400) = Rs. 23,600 per acre.
Why do coconut trees need salt?
A nationwide survey conducted by the Philippine Coconut Authority revealed that 24 out of 54 coconut-producing provinces have widespread chlorine deficiency. The application of sodium chloride (NaCl) or common table salt can effectively control this problem.
How far apart should coconut be planted?
Coconuts are a unique yet versatile crop that can thrive when planted and spaced correctly. A good rule of thumb is that coconut palms should be planted about 20 feet apart from each other. This ensures enough room for each individual coconut tree to thrive.
How much water do coconut trees need daily?
Each palm requires 55 to 120 litres of water every day. Since availability of irrigation water is scanty, for judicious utilization of this resource, adoption of drip irrigation system is most ideal.
Can we grow pepper on coconut tree?
Pepper is grown as an inter crop for coconut. There are multiple inter crops such as coca, areca, and long pepper in a separate land of two acres with coconut trees”. After this he continued explaining about the various inter cropping techniques.
How do you increase the yield of a banana?
Potassium has a large effect on banana yield, with peak demand being around flowering. Phosphorus is important for early growth and rooting, as well as for flowering and banana fruit set. Calcium is needed to ensure vigorous root, leaf and sucker development, thereby providing high yields.
What can be intercropped with bananas?
Intercrops can easily be raised in banana plantation at the early stages of growth. Radish, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, chilli, brinjal, colocassia, yam, dioscorea, lady’s finger, basella, cucurbitaceous vegetables, marigold, tuberose are grown as Intercrops.
Is chicken manure good for coconut trees?
Chicken manure is an abundant source of nutrients for the coconut tree. They have high levels of nitrogen, and has a good amount of phosphorus and potassium. Moreover, chicken manure contains more calcium than any other cattle compost, as well as magnesium and sulfur for optimal growth of the coconut tree.
What is the lifespan of coconut tree?
They are widely planted both for household and commercial use and grow to a height of 20-30 m. They are slow maturing and flower 6-10 years after planting. They are long-lived with an economic life of about 60-70 years, although much older palms are known to exist and yield well.
How many years does it take a coconut tree to bear fruit?
between 3 and 8 years
The coconut tree grows from a single seed, which is an entire coconut, taking between 3 and 8 years to bear fruit, and living between 60 and 100 years. Each coconut takes almost a year to develop from a flower into a fruit.
How do you maintain a coconut farm?
Coconut responds well to summer irrigation i.e. summer irrigation @ 40 liters per palm per week will increase the yield of nuts by 50%. Under basin irrigation, 200 liters per palm once in four days will be beneficial. In areas where water is scarce drip irrigation system can be adopted.
What location is suitable for a coconut tree orchard farm?
Coconut farms should be located in areas suitable for food production and processing, preferably with an altitude of not more than 600 meters above sea level for optimum growth.
Can coconut trees grow in pots?
Coconut palms will grow to a robust size, so start with a pot that of about 3 gallons. As it grows, you’ll need a pot that holds at least 10 gallons of soil.
Are coconuts profitable?
Because both green and mature coconut have very good market demand and value. Coconut already has an established market demand and value. So, you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. Commercial coconut farming is a very profitable business.
What is hybrid coconut tree?
Hybrid coconuts are inter-varietal crosses between two morphological forms of coconut trees. In particular, hybrids from Dwarf and Tall, Tall and Tall varieties also generate high-yielding coconut palms. Generally, hybrid coconut palms are more superior in terms of quality and quantity of copra production.