Knowledge · Crop Programs

Coconut Fertilizer Schedule by Palm Age

An adult coconut palms needs about 3.3 to 4 kg of adult palm mixtures split into two applications. Younger palms need less, scaled by age.

How much fertilizer does a coconut palm need?

For Young palms

Palm Age	YPM-W (Wet Zone)(g/Palm)	YPM-D (Dry Zone)(g/Palm)	Dolomite(g/Palm)
6 Months	800 g	650 g	500 g
1 Year	1,000 g	800 g	500 g
1 ½ Years	1,000 g	800 g	500 g
2 Years	1,300 g	1,100 g	500 g
2 ½ Years	1,300 g	1,100 g	500 g
3 Years	1,600 g	1,350 g	500 g
3 ½ Years	1,600 g	1,350 g	500 g
4 Years to Bearing	2,000 g	1,600 g	500 g

For Adult palms

Fertilizer Blend	N	P	K	Application Rate(Kg/Palm)	Recommended Areas
APM -W	11%	08%	29%	3.3 Kg	Wet & Intermediate Zone
APM-D (TSP)	13%	07%	34%	3.3 Kg	Dry Zone
AgriOne CU-3	13%	06%	32%	3.3 Kg	Kalpitiya & all sandy soils
AgriOne APM-D (DZ)	13%	07%	17%	3.3 Kg	Dry Zone
AgriOne Dolomite	-	-	-	1.0 Kg	All areas

How to apply

Application. With the onset of the monsoon or its later phase, fertilizer application is recommended.
Split it. Split the annual fertilizer amount into two applications; it will increase absorption.
Apply in the basin. Spread the fertilizer in a circle around the base of the palm and keep the basin clean and weed free.
Incorporate and mulch. Gently mix the fertilizer into the topsoil and ensure adequate irrigation during dry periods so that nutrients can effectively reach the roots. After applying the fertilizer, it is important to cover the fertilized area with organic mulch. Suitable materials for mulch include dried coconut leaves, weeds, and the tender leaves of fencing plants.
Add organic manure (FYM/compost) 20 to 25 kg per palm per year.

Deficiency symptoms and corrections

Nutrient	Symptoms on Palm	Correction
Nitrogen (N)	Yellowing of older leaves, reduced leaf size, stunted growth	Apply recommended dosage of nitrogen-rich blended fertilizer or Urea
Potassium (K)	Yellow to orange discoloration on older fronds, premature nut fall	Apply MOP as recommended
Magnesium (Mg)	Yellowing of lower leaves, orange to brown spots	Apply Kieserite
Boron (B)	Cracked nuts, misshapen nuts, poor germination	Apply Borax (foliar or soil application)
Manganese (Mn)	Yellow streaks on leaves, poor nut development	Apply Mn (foliar application) as recommended

Pests worth monitoring

Red palm weevil, rhinoceros beetle, scale insects, mites; bud rot, stem bleeding, and root (wilt) disease. Follow integrated pest and disease management and consult your field officer.