Effects of Application of Coconut Husk and Coir Dust on the Yield of Coconut

In recent years much attention has been focussed on the importance of moisture conservation practices in coconut lands, particularly in drier parts of the Coconut triangle. Experiments were conducted in mature coconut plantations, to study the effect of various methods of application of coconut husk and coir dust, in lateritic and sandly soils, on the yield of palms. The results revealed that the use of both husks and coir dust was beneficial to coconut production. This was partly attributed to their ability ot retain moisture in the soil and regeneration of more roots per unit area. In terms of copra yield per palm coir dust appeared to be more effective than husk in lateritic soil. Of the different placement methods, husk in pits caused significant improvent in nut and copra yield per palm, while coir dust placed in trenches had the least effect. Furthermore, placing husk or coir dust in pits between two palms appeared to be more effective and economical than in circular trenches round each palm. Based on these results, use of coir dust in pits is recommended as an effective alternative to husk pits, for moisture conservation and in reducing the adverse effects on the palm during the dry period.