COCOS (1994-1995), 10, 35-47 Printed in Sri Lanka ECONOMICS OF SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATION IN COCONUT LANDS USING COCONUT HUSKS AND COIR DUST

Economic feasibility of soil moisture conservation in coconut production using coconut husks and coir dust was examined in this study. The preliminary data for the study were collected from two trials conducted by the CRI along with several other secondary information. The results of the analysis' revealed that calculated Benefit-Cost ratios and Net Present Values are financially and economically acceptable under all the scenarios addressed in this study. Three; different interest rates, such as 10%, 15%, 18% and two.effective time periods (viz. six and nine years) were used for the analysis. Based on the estimated economic parameters, it is concluded that the efforts on moisture conservation using coconut husks and coir dust in lateritic gravel and sandy soils are economically viable propositions. As the initial cost of investment is substantial, other means to overcome the problems of financial constraints in investment may be looked into.