Effect of sodium chloride on growth and yield of coconut palms in a laterite soil

Abstract

An investigation was carried out drawing soil and leaf samples from coconut palms of a sodium chloride trial conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode, Kasaragod, Kerala, in order to evaluate the effect of sodium chloride on growth, yield and uptake of nutrients by coconut palms grown in laterite soil. The treatments were superimposed on 24 year old palms in 1976 and samples for the study were drawn in 1986. The palms were receiving substitution of KCI by NaCI in various proportions for the last 10 years. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in yield of nuts by substitution of KCI by NaCI. However, treatments receiving 100% recommended dose of K20 and that receiving 50% substitution of K20 by Na20 appeared superior to other treatments- There was no significant difference between treatments in the case of other growth characteristics, and the nutrient uptake by the palms except K and Na. Palms receiving higher amount of K or Na retained higher amount of these elements. The available nutrient status of the soil except available K and basic chemical properties of the soil like, pH, EC and CEC remained the same. The available K content in soil increased with increased application of K to the soil.