How to plant, care and harvest Coconut in the farm

rehobothorganicfarm
Oct 7
4 min read

Updated: Nov 3

About Coconut Farming in Tamil Nadu:

Coconut trees are beautiful plants that produce delicious fruit. They thrive in tropical climates, but you can also grow them at home. Planting a coconut tree is a straightforward process that adds charm to any yard or home. The coconut palm flourishes in equatorial climates. However, it does not do well in long spells of hot and dry weather, severe winters, or extreme temperatures. It can grow well up to 1000 meters above sea level. Additionally, well-distributed rainfall ranging from 100 to 300 cm is favorable for coconut growth.

How to Plant Coconut Saplings on the Farm:

To plant coconut saplings, follow these steps:

Spacing: Adopt a spacing of 25' x 25' (7.5 x 7.5 m) with 175 plants per hectare.
Field Borders: For planting along field borders in a single row, use a spacing of 20' between plants.
Pit Size: Dig pits measuring 3’ x 3' x 3'.
Soil Mixture: Fill the pit to a height of two feet (60 cm) with a mixture of farmyard manure (FYM), red earth, and sand in equal proportions.
Planting: At the center of the pit, remove the soil mixture and plant the seedling after trimming the roots.
Soil Pressing: Press the soil firmly around the seedling.
Shade: Provide shade using plaited coconut leaves or palmyra leaves.
Weed Control: Keep the pits free from weeds.
Collar Region: Remove soil covering the collar region of the seedling.

10. Filling Pits: As the seedlings grow and form stems, gradually fill up the pits by cutting the sides.

11. Moisture Supply: Ensure a proper supply of moisture through well-distributed rainfall or irrigation. Sufficient drainage is also essential for coconut growth.

12. Soil pH: Coconut can be grown in soil with a pH of 5.2 to 8.6.

How to Fertilize Coconut Trees:

To achieve a good yield, you must fertilize coconut palms regularly. Here’s how:

Frequency: Bimonthly applications are more beneficial.
Fertilizer Amount: From the 5th year onward, apply 50 kg of FYM, compost, or green manure in two equal splits during June–July and December–January.
Application Method: Apply manures and fertilizers in circular basins of 1.8 m from the base of the palm. Incorporate and irrigate.
Early Years: During the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years, apply ¼, ½, and ¾ doses of the fertilizer schedule, respectively.
Moisture: Ensure sufficient moisture is present when applying fertilizers.
Monthly Fertilization: Fertilization may also be done at monthly intervals with 75% of the recommended dose.

How to Irrigate Coconut Trees:

Coconut palms require large quantities of water for normal growth and timely production. Here are the irrigation guidelines:

Daily Water Needs: Under normal conditions, each palm needs about 16-18 liters of water daily in the absence of rain.
Benefits of Irrigation: Regular irrigation increases fruit set, improves size, and enhances copra content.
Avoid Stagnation: Avoid water stagnation and poorly drained conditions.
Summer Irrigation: Coconut palms respond well to summer irrigation.
Irrigation Timing: The full benefits of irrigation can be felt only after three years, as spadix initiation to nut ripening takes nearly 42 months.
Moisture Conservation: Burying coconut husks or coir dust is effective for conserving soil moisture. These materials can absorb and retain moisture, releasing it slowly to the coconut trees during dry periods.
Decomposition Benefits: As these materials break down, they also add potash to the soil.
Layering: Add husks or dust in alternate layers with soil in pits or trenches taken between the trees, ensuring a depth of 0.6m and 1.8m away from the trunk.
Water Requirements: Each palm requires 55 to 120 liters of water daily.

10. Drip Irrigation: Given the scarcity of irrigation water, adopting a drip irrigation system is ideal. It saves about 30-40% of water and increases yield by 38-40% compared to basin irrigation.

Flowering of Coconut Trees:

Coconut trees typically begin flowering between 5 to 10 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

Flowering Timeline: Dwarf varieties may flower as early as 3 years, while tall varieties often take 7–10 years.
Spadix Development: The flowering structure, called a spadix, takes about 14 months to develop from initiation to emergence.
Monoecious Nature: Coconut palms are monoecious, meaning they produce both male and female flowers on the same inflorescence.
Flower Characteristics: Male flowers are smaller and more numerous, located on the upper branches. Female flowers are larger and fewer, found at the base of the spadix.
Pollination: Pollination occurs mainly through wind and insects, aided by the nectar and fragrance of the flowers. Cross-pollination is common, but self-pollination can also occur.
Fruit Development: After pollination, fruit development takes about 9 months, with coconuts maturing and falling naturally.

Harvesting of Coconuts:

Harvesting coconuts is a skillful process. It depends on the tree's height, the maturity of the fruit, and local practices. Here’s how to do it:

Harvest Timing: Tender coconuts are harvested at 6–7 months after flowering, while mature coconuts are harvested at 11–12 months.
Harvest Frequency: Trees produce coconuts year-round, so harvesting occurs every 45–60 days.
Climbing Methods: Traditional methods include climbing the tree using a rope or belt.
Using a Sickle: A sickle on a long pole is common for shorter trees or where climbing is risky.
Trained Monkeys: In some regions, trained monkeys are used for harvesting, though this is rare.
Mechanical Aids: Mechanical lifts or cherry pickers are used in commercial farms with tall trees.
Sorting: Coconuts are collected and sorted by maturity. Tender coconuts are often sold fresh, while mature ones are husked and dried for copra or processed for oil and other products.

Conclusion

Coconut farming is a rewarding endeavor that can yield delicious fruit and provide numerous benefits. By following the proper planting, fertilization, irrigation, flowering, and harvesting techniques, you can ensure a successful coconut farming experience. Embracing these practices will help you thrive in the organic farming landscape of Tamil Nadu.