Effect of Irrigation on Establishment and Early Growth of Coconut (VAR.CRIC 60) in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka.

Abstract

The vigour and growth of seedlings of CRIC60 cultivar of coconut were studied in different irrigation treatments during the drought period, in a sandy soil in the dry zone. Nine irrigation treatments including a control with no watering were tested. Larger number of casualties were observed in the control while none in the irrigated plots. The best irrigation treatments in order of response were 40 litres applied twice a week, two earthenware pots buried on either side of the seedlings and filling them twice a week (27 litres per week) and 20 litres applied twice a week. However, the relative efficiency between 40 litres and 20 litres suggest that application of 20 litres twice a week could be preferred considering the savings on cost and the use of water. If finances are not limiting burying of two earthenware pots on either side of the plant and filling twice a week could be preferred.