2025/10/06 by Shivakumar SN, Surekha R, Ravi Bhat +2 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Chemistry · #Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems #Coconut Research and Applications #Growth and nutrition in plants
paper · doi:10.1080/14620316.2025.2566924
openalex publication_date 2025/10/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
A study conducted at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala, investigated sustainable soil management strategies to enable flower crop intercropping in coconut plantations on coastal sandy soils, which typically suffer from poor moisture and nutrient retention. The research emphasised recycling coconut-based organic biomass – such as shredded coconut leaves, coconut husk, and coir pith – into the cropping system to enhance soil moisture and crop yield. Incorporation of shredded leaves and husk significantly improved flower production: 6.70 t/ha marigold and 78,026.95 gladiolus spikes/ha (kharif), and 2.50 t/ha China aster and 40.17 t/ha gomphrena (rabi). This approach offers a practical, eco-friendly solution for intensifying land use in coconut systems by shifting from monocropping to intercropping with high-value floriculture. It presents a replicable model for coastal regions, especially in sandy soils where water scarcity and low fertility limit productivity. The study’s novelty lies in effectively utilising marginal coastal sandy soils through strategic organic residue application, leading to improved moisture retention and soil health. This not only boosts crop performance but also diversifies farmer income, promoting sustainable intensification in coconut-based farming systems under resource-constrained conditions.