Preface
I. Introduction
II. Advantages of Coconut Trees
III. Basic Principles Involved
IV. Planning Coconut Based Cropping System
V. Planning of Intercrops
VI. Types of Cropping Systems
VII. Nature of Land Use
VIII. Economics of Coconut Based Cropping Systems.
Preface
Coconut is cultivated in large areas mainly in southern parts of the country. Coconut is a tall growing tree with little coverage of underneath land by its canopy. Thus, the land in coconut plantations can be profitably used for cultivation of some other field crops. This practice increases the income and can also improve the soil fertility condition. This booklet describes the various types of cropping practices in coconut plantations.
Dr. K.T. Chandy, Agricultural & Environmental Education Specialist
I. Introduction
In a coconut based cropping system, coconut trees are planted as a base crop and all other crops are intercropped using the vertical and horizontal spaces between coconut trees. Coconut is a tree which bas no branches and grows straight vertically upwards providing more and more space under its canopy. Its leaves are such that it allows sun light to the crops grown under it. Because of these peculiar characteristics of this tree the coconut based cropping system is quite different from other cropping system based on other crops. Coconut based cropping system is a combination of multiple cropping systems in vertical and horizontal dimensions.
Coconut
can be planted in all the parts of India where winter
is not severe. However, its performance is better in
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andbra Pradesh,
Orissa, West Bengal, plains of Assam, and Manipur. It
can grow also in the southern parts of Madhya Pradesh
though the performance is not comparable with that of
other places. But even in areas of poor performance
it is advisable to go for coconut based cropping system
due a number of advantages.II. Advantages of Coconut Tree
1. It provides valuable coconut which is economically and socially very important.
2. Coconut trees supply regularly fire wood. The leaf peteole, the peduncle cover, the inflorescence, stem, husk and shell are good source of fire wood. Almost every month each coconut tree provides some of these items. For the women folk this becomes a great blessing.
3. Coconut tree gives valuable thatching material for poor people's housing. The leaves are plated and treated with any fungicide remains longer as thatch.
4. It provides tender coconut water which is a natural soft drink. Many Ayurvedic dieticians prescribe coconut water as a drink to patients.
5. Coconut water contains yeast and can be used to ferment flour.
6. Fibre can be extracted from the coconut husk. Ropes and coif products can be prepared from this husk fibre.
7. Very good broom sticks are obtained from coconut leaves.
8. Old and mature coconut trees provide very good timber.
9. Coconut trees allow any type of crop to grow underneath.
10. It yields for 50 -60 years.
11.The net income from coconut is much higher than any other crop.
12. It has multifarious uses and is known as Kalp Vruksha (providing everything one asks for).
13. It gives oil for both home and industrial purposes.
14. Coconut gives toddy that is an intoxicating drink.
15. It provides objects for cultural and religious celebrations. Breaking coconut is a part of religious worship.
