Studies on nutrient export and extent of nutrient recycling in coconut based high density multispecies cropping system

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to assess the biomass available for recycling from coconut based high density multispecies cropping system (coconut, clove, banana and pineapple) under graded levels of fertilizers (full, two-third, one-third, one-fourth and one-fifth of the recommended level of fertilizer for each of the component crops and control). The total biomass removed from the system ranged from 19.1 to 27.6 t ha-1 year-1. The highest biomass production was recorded from two-third level of fertilizer dose (27.6 t ha-1 year-1). Out of the total biomass obtained, the quantity available for recycling ranged from 12.7 to 18.5 t ha-1 year-1, which can contribute 56 to 110 kg N, 6.7 to 13.5 kg P and 108 to 225 kg K per hectare.

Soil Fertility Properties, Leaf Nutrient Status and Yield Of Coconut and Intercrops as Influenced and Coconut Based Cropping System in Coastal Plain of Western India

“…In this context, CBCS which involves cultivating compatible crops (Nath et al 2008) in the interspaces of coconut offers a plenty of biomass available in situ to meet the organic matter requirement and to maintain the soil health in a very economically profitable manner and this system offers a very practical solution to the challenges of the soil health management (Malhotra et al 2017). Subramanian et al (2005) observed that, the highest recyclable biomass was available under 2/3 rd RDF in coconut based high density multispecies cropping system (HDMSC) at CPCRI, Kasaragod. The integrated use of organic manure and chemical fertilizers along with biofertilizers is also a promising approach in preserving soil microbial communities and activities, which will ultimately show positive impacts on different soil properties while increasing the crop productivity.…”