An overview on water management in coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a small holder's plantation crop cultivated predominantly in the humid tropics and tropical belts of India. Water is one of the critical inputs required in coconut production that plays important roles in growth, development and productivity. Though the coconut-growing regions in the coastal belt are endowed with high rainfall, the rainy period is confined to a few months (4 to 5) during the monsoon season and palm experiences moisture stress during remaining months. Water requirement of young and adult palms varies as per the soil type and agro-climatic regions. Lysimetric studies have indicated actual water use by the palms and cropcoefficient values for coconut. Among the irrigation methods, drip irrigation is the best system which ensures water saving to the extent of 33% of Eo and increase in the nut yield to the tune of 90–100% compared to no irrigation. Further, the application of fertilizers through drip system (fertigation) increases water and fertilizer-use efficiency and results in 25 to 50% savings in fertilizer dose for the crop and increase in the productivity of palms to the tune of 50–75% in various regions of the country.