Soil conservation methods should be adopted on sloppy land. In areas of undulating terrain
steps around the slopes of hills to prevent soil erosion.
Size of the Pit
Before planting coconut, the pits are filled up with topsoil and compost or powdered cow
dung up to a depth of 60 cm. Take a small pit inside this which can accommodate the nut
attached to the seedling.
The size of the pit will vary in different types of soil:
- Size of pit in laterite soils – 1.2 m x 1.2m x 1.2m
- Size of pit in loamy soil – 1m x 1m x 1m
- Size of pit in sandy soil – 0.75m x 0.75m x 0.75 m
Planting Coconut
In laterite soils, large pits of the size 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2 m may be made and filled up with
loose soil, compost or powdered cow dung and ash up to a depth of 60 cm before planting.
In the lateritic area, 2kg common salt per pit can be applied to soften the hardpans.
In loamy soils, pits of the size of 1m x 1m x 1m may be filled with topsoil to a height of 50
cm. Two layers of coconut husk can be arranged at the bottom of the pit for moisture
conservation. To prevent termite attack, appropriate insecticides should be sprinkled on the
husk.
Once the planting the pits are filled up with topsoil and powdered cow dung or compost up
to a depth of 50 to 60 cm, plant the seedling inside the pit and fill it with soil. Press the soil
well.
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