ARECANUT

Irrigation and Drainage

Arecanut cannot withstand drought for a long time. Being a perennial crop, once affected by water stress, it may require two-three years to regain the normal vigour and yield. The death of palms due to moisture stress is also not uncommon.

In West Coast of India, where more than 50 per cent of arecanut is cultivated, rainfall is mostly confined to June-November months. Monsoon is followed by a prolonged dry spell normally extending from November to May. Excess evaporation, faster rate of wind speed, greater vapour pressure gradient in the above ground atmosphere and rise in temperature are the regular features of summer in these regions and as a result, the crop is invariably subjected to drought conditions. If the monsoon is delayed, the drought situation further aggravates. Therefore optimizing the irrigation requirements and also economizing the irrigation water assumes major importance in arecanut cultivation. Irrigate the palms during hot and dry periods at regular intervals of 3-5 days depending upon the soil type.

The palms should be irrigated once in four to seven days depending on the soil type and climatic factors. In west coast, where major area of arecanut gardens are irrigated, watering the garden once in seven or eight days during November-December, once in six days during January-February and once in three to five days during March-April-May is recommended. In each irrigation, give about 175 litres of water per palm. Where there is shortage of water, follow drip irrigation. Application of organic mulch to the garden helps conservation of soil moisture.

Construct drainage channels (25-30 cm deep from the bottom of pits) between the rows and drain out water during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent waterlogging.

Last updated: 22-05-2008