Salt, An Effective and Cheap Fertilizer for Coconut
August 22, 2008 by Leo 4,856 Views
The use of sodium chloride (NaCl) or common salt as fertilizer is a practical means of increasing coconut production. Salt is the cheapest and best source of chlorine to increase copra yield (Table 1).
Chlorine deficiency in coconut is widespread in inland areas. A PCA survey conducted nationwide showed that at least 40 coconut-producing provinces are severely chlorine deficient.
Advantages:
- Cheapest coconut fertilizer
- Very easy to apply
- Accelerates crop growth and development
- Increases copra weight and number of nuts
- Minimizes leaf spot damage
- Environment-friendly under judicious practice
Benefits:
- Increase thickness of coconut meat
- Increase number of nuts
- Makes coconut drought resistant
- Makes coconut resistant to pests and diseases
From 1991 to 1997 farmers in the Philippines had fertilized more than 170,000 ha of coconut (approximately 18 M trees) with salt. This had resulted in an average relative yield increase of 125% over unfertilized coconuts. Recently, it was considered in Indonesia to be a general and ideal fertilizer for coconut (applied in about 2 M ha).
Application
Salt may be applied in three ways:
- Broadcast (in flat to slightly sloping areas)
- Broadcast followed by fork-in at 2-3 inches depth of soil (preferably when salt is combined with nitrogenous fertilizers)
- Holing (for hilly-sloping areas distributed in 8-10 inches with 3-5 inches depth around the base of the tree).
In broadcast application, the fertilizer is placed uniformly over a weeded area around the base of the palm (1 m radius depending on the age of the palm).
At nursery stage (6-8 months), seedlings are applied with 60-70 g NaCl per seedling (the first half at the start of the rainy season and the rest, 6 months after or before the end of the rainy season; split application). This increases the plant’s girth and fresh weight, indicating that chlorine nutrition is a positive factor in improving normal conditions of the seedlings in the nursery.
Generally, bearing palms are fertilized annually in areas with almost uniform rainfall distribution (Table 2). In areas with distinct wet and dry seasons with uneven rainfall distribution, and those with sandy soils, fertilizers are best applied every six months. In a long-term study of salt application, 1.5 kg NaCl/tree/year is considered to be most effective and economical to increase copra weight/nut and copra yield (per tree or per hectare). Split application is done at the pre-bearing stage (one to four years) of palms. This practice helps reduce loss of fertilizer nutrients through leaching and run-off and make fertilizer use more effective.
Economic Returns
Net profits from coconut farming depend much on the fertilizer cost, yield, and copra price.
The use of salt as fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 kg salt/tree is estimated to give the added benefits of P10,000 – P19,000 (Table 3) per ha per year at P12/kg copra. The importance of this technology should not be overlooked, much less ignored. To maximize output and obtain optimum returns, the coconut tree must be cared for, freed from diseases and fertilized.
Field Application
Amount of salt: 2 kgs. per tree/year (3 years application).
Do this at the start of the rainy season:
- Make a circular canal/trench (with a radius of 1 meter from trunk base) of 3 inches deep. Spread the salt evenly in the circular canal and cover with soil.
- In sloping or hilly areas, dig 10 equidistant holes around the trunk base. Place salt in holes and cover with soil.
For more information, call, write, or visit
Dr. Severino S. Magat, Scientist IV and Manager
Agricultural Research Management Department
Philippine Coconut Authority
Elliptical Road Diliman, Quezon City 1101
Tel. 426 13 98/920 04 15
Fax 920 04 15/456 98 91
E-mails: cbcarpio@mozcom.com, sevmagat@ mozcom.com
Mr. Rogaciano Z. Margate, Scientist III and Chief, Agronomy and Soil Division
Davao Research Center
Philippine Coconut Authority
Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City 8000
Tel. (082) 293 0119
E-mail: pca-drc@interasia.com.ph
2009 · All Rights Reversed ·
where i can buy that coconut. the one with a small size as 6 feet high
how often do we need to apply salt ?
salt 2 kg per tree per year for a bearing tree can be applied at divided doses as monthliy or quaterly or half .and yearly.and the very best is monthly
yes its amazing! and the salt makes wounders on coconut.we need abundent scientific studies on this line
how often do i need to apply salt on my trees? can i do it every month? Thanks.
would salt not damage the soil? Surely the soil will turn saline because of dessolve salt mixing the soil. Please advise. It will not affect the soil, then I will proceed with the use of salt.
What age of coconut tree is required to fertilize? Please furnish us guide. thanks.
I am currently residing in Saipan, Mariana Islands. This place has lots of coconuts. Now I know why we have the abundance. Water here is salty. And for sure, the salt fertilize the land.
Very informative.