Coconut is an important plantation crop for many farmers in India. During the third year, the plant enters a crucial growth stage where the trunk starts forming strongly and the canopy expands. Proper nutrient management during this period improves root growth, leaf production, and future nut yield. Many farmers growing local coconut varieties often ask what fertilizers and practices are needed in the third year. Here is an easy-to-understand guide to help manage nutrients effectively.
1. Understand the Nutrient Needs of a Third-Year Coconut
By the third year, coconut palms begin to demand more nutrients than the first two years. The plant becomes larger, and its roots spread wider. It needs a balanced supply of major nutrients (NPK) along with organic matter and micronutrients. If nutrient needs are not met now, the yield will be affected for many years.
2. Apply Organic Manure for Strong Soil Health
Organic matter plays a very important role:
Apply 20–25 kg of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost per palm.
Farmers with access to green leaves, coconut husks, or cow dung slurry can use these as additional organic materials.
Mulching with dry leaves helps improve soil moisture and adds nutrients as it decomposes.
Organic matter keeps the roots active, improves water-holding capacity, and supports soil microbes.
3. Recommended NPK Fertilizer Dose
For third-year local variety coconut palms, farmers can follow a standard nutrient dose:
Nitrogen (N): 250 g
Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 200 g
Potassium (K₂O): 400 g
This dose can be applied in two splits:
First split: At the beginning of monsoon
Second split: After monsoon or during the post-monsoon season
Splitting the dose ensures that nutrients are available throughout the growth period.
4. Apply Micronutrients for Healthy Growth
Coconut palms require small but essential quantities of micronutrients like magnesium, boron, zinc, and iron. Deficiency symptoms may include yellowing leaves, narrow leaflets, or reduced growth. Farmers can apply:
1–2 kg of neem cake per palm
Magnesium sulphate (200–250 g)
Borax (25–30 g) if boron deficiency is suspected
Micronutrients can be applied along with organic manure for better absorption.
5. Basin Preparation and Application Method
Proper application ensures better nutrient uptake:
Prepare a circular basin around the palm about 1–1.5 meters radius.
Keep the basin weed-free.
Mix fertilizers and organic manure well with the topsoil.
After application, irrigate lightly to dissolve the nutrients.
Avoid placing fertilizers too close to the trunk—roots absorb better from the outer ring.
6. Irrigation and Moisture Management
Though coconut is hardy, third-year palms benefit from regular watering:
Irrigate once every 7–10 days in dry months.
Mulching keeps the root zone cool and reduces water loss.
Good moisture improves nutrient absorption and boosts overall growth.
7. Use of Bio-Fertilizers
Bio-fertilizers like Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Trichoderma promote root activity and increase nutrient availability. Apply around 100–200 g mixed with compost per palm once or twice a year.
