Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 2008-2011 at Coconut Research Station, Veppankulam to evaluate the efficacy of organic nutrient mix for coconut developed by TNAU with 30 years old ECT and 38 years old hybrid coconut (WCT x COD) palms proved that the application of TNAU Cocomix irrespective of their splits was significant in enhancing the yield attributes and sustained the soil fertility due to continuous application over years. Among the treatments, application of cocomix once a month for the first year and subsequently once in three months recorded the highest nut yield of 130 and 156 nuts / palm / year in tall and hybrid coconut respectively (2008-09). The cocomix at various interval to both tall and hybrid coconut significantly increased the soil microbial load viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and improved the soil enzyme activity.

Keywords: Coconut, organic nutrient mix, nut yield, soil fertility, soil microbes and enzymes