Dry matter production and macro-nutrient content of the Nigerian Tall coconut [Cocos nucifera]
1986
Omoti, U. | Ataga, D.O. | Amalu, U.C. (Nigerian Inst. of Oil Palm Research, Benin City (Nigeria))
Annual dry matter production, macro-nutrient composition and removal in two Nigerian coconut cultivars, (the Badagry Tall and NIFOR Tall), were studied by harvesting and analysis of all the component parts of palms ranging in age from 5 to 32 years. Data on accumulated dry matter production showed that the two cultivars at maturity produced at harvest between 528-804 kg dry matter per palm. The NIFOR Talls generally had lower dry matter but were superior in nut production. Records of nuts and copra production of the palms, however, showed them to be predominantly low to medium yielders (340-1680 kg copra per hectare per annum). Chemical analysis of the various organs of the palms showed the predominance of potassium, followed by nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Based on the dry weights of roots and above ground portions and percentage nutrient content, the amounts of nutrients immobilized and amounts removed annually were calculated. For bearing palms, average annual nutrient removal was 142 kg N, 17 kg P, 202 kg K, 82 kg Ca and 28 kg Mg per hectare of 200 palms. The results suggested an imbalance in current fertilizer use and emphasized the need for increasing fertilizer input particularly K and N in order to improve growth and boost present yields
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