Factors that influence the growth of the famous Pollachi Coconut

Coconut is one of the significant plantation crops grown in our country. It holds a predominant significance in the agricultural economy of India. Coconut holds a plenty of uses that adds value to the economy. The tender coconut water is a popular healthy drink; the coconut oil is used in various applications from cosmetics to industries and cooking. Copra has its own uses and so does the kernel. Virgin Coconut Oil is extracted from fresh kernel and is in high demand because they are processed with addition of any chemicals and is abundant in plenty of nutrients like vitamins, minerals as well as anti-oxidants

Coconut crop can be grown even on lands of size less than two hectares. A greater concentration of coconutsare grown in coastal region while the hinterlands that has suitable climate for the crop also witnesses quite a cultivation like Pollachi and the areas bordering Kerala and beyond. There are various environmental factors that determine the growth of coconut crop. The soil moisture and its nutrients, the amount of light it receives as well as degree of competition between the coconuts and forage species that grow under them will interfere with the growth of coconut plantation. Further, humidity, temperature also have a say in the growth of the crop. Here is a detailed list of factors that determine the growth of the Pollachi coconuts.

Climatic conditions

Coconut is basically a tropical plant that requires a mean annual temperature of 270 degrees C. It is, however, found to grow in varying climates that have relative humidity of more than 60 percent. They require good rainfall and anything ranging 1000-3000 mm annually can be good for its growth. For ideal growth and greater yield, rain fall of 2000 mm annually is expected. If there is no well distributed rainfall, the plantation must have enough irrigation to provide the necessary moisture. As for elevation, they grow in altitude of 600 m or above the sea level.

Soil

Typically, coconut is known to grow in varying type of soil conditions. A range of factors affect the growth of coconut when it comes to the soil. The fertility, depth, drainage as well as the lay out of the land on which the crop grows can affect its growth tremendously. In India, coconut is mainly grown on alluvial, red sandy loam, coastal sandy, reclaimed and laterite soil. Any soil that has a pH between 5.2and8.0 may support the growth of coconut trees.

When you select the soil for the coconut crop, it is necessary to make sure that the minimum depth of the soil is 1.2m. It must also have good water holding capacity. The choice of soils that should strictly not considered for coconut growth include clayey soils, soils in low areas that are prone to water stagnation, shallow soils that have underlying hard rock, etc. Further, for a good yield, proper supply of moisture is necessary. A good drainage system is essential to make sure there is no excess water stagnation.

Fertilizers and manures

Regular manuring of the soil may be necessary for growth and good yield of coconuts. For coconuts that receive natural rainfall, fertilizers can be applied in two doses. However, coconuts that thrive on irrigation for moisture content may require more doses of fertilizers for greater yield.