Studies On Potassium Magnesium Interaction In Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

M Jeganathan

doi:10.4038/cocos.v8i0.2066

Abstract

The widespread deficiency of magnesium in coconut acts as a limiting factor to increasedproduction. Two ongoing experiments on potassium-magnesium (K-Mg) interaction incoconut conducted in lateritic gravels (ultisols), in the wet and intermediate agroclimatic zonesof Sri Lanka showed significant yield responses (P=0.01) to differential K treatments, in thewet zone, but not in the intermediate zone. Differential Mg treatments, however, did not giverise to yield responses. Leaf and nut water analysis showed significant changes in theconcentrations of Na, K and CI (P=0.001), with a distinct inverse relationship between Na andK when K was applied. Differential Mg applications showed a significant effect only for leafMg (P=0.001), in the fourth year of the experiment, in the wet zone. Results indicate theusefulness of nut water analysis as an additional diagnostic tool, for Na, K and CI

Highlights

In the plantation agriculture in Sri Lanka, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) occupies the highest area of nearly 420,000 ha
This paper describes results of two experiments conducted to elucidate this aspect in coconut nutrition with a view to determine levels of Mg in the soil and leaf for more effective K usage
This is due to the residual fertility in the manure circle, while the centre of squares reflects the inherent fertility

Summary

Introduction

In the plantation agriculture in Sri Lanka, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) occupies the highest area of nearly 420,000 ha. Coconut is a very important commodity in Sri Lanka. It is used traditionally as a component in food, and about 70% of the production is consumed locally. About 9% of the total expenditure on food of an average household is spent on coconut, the principal source of edible oil and fat. Coconut provides about 22% of the total intake of calories of an average consumer in Sri Lanka second to rice. These data amply demonstrate the importance of coconut

Methods

Results

Conclusion