Coconut based multiple cropping systems:An analytical review in Sri Lankan coconut cultivations

Coconut(Cocos nucifera L.)is a gift of nature and is cultivated worldwide because of its multiple uses.Based on the morphological characteristics of the coconut tree,when coconut is grown as a monocrop,land use efficiency is very low.According to previous findings,coconut monocropping planting systems and growth habits effectively used only 22%of the land area,while canopy space utilization was around 30%,and solar radiation was around 45%.Growing coconut along with a variety of other crops is a common practice in most coconut-growing regions to maximize land use efficiency.More than 100 different crops and systems have been identified that can be grown as intercrops with coconut cultivations.When growing intercrops in coconut plantations,the following factors need to be considered;the age of the coconut palms,water availability,shade of understory,soil characteristics,the slope of the land,labor availability,market demand,economic status of the grower,and social characteristics.This article discusses the significance and potential of intercropping and multiple-cropping systems appropriate for various coconut stands.The findings highlight an overview of profitable and sustainable intercrop species for coconut farming,as well as the benefits,constraints,and opportunities associated with various multiple-cropping systems.Finally,the study provides future research directions for the successful adaptation of coconut-based multiple cropping systems.

A sustainable way of increasing productivity of coconut cultivation using cover crops:A review

Coconut,as one of the main components of the daily Sri Lankan diet and one of the predominant crops grown in different agroecological zones except in higher elevations,has become a major export-earning crop.Its productivity is limited by adverse climatic changes in coconut growing areas,biotic and abiotic stresses,and poor agronomic practices.Cover cropping has been identified as a rewarding and time-tested farming solution that increases the productivity of most coconut land while addressing the above issues.It is the practice of growing plants for modifying soil properties,controlling pests and diseases,facilitating crop growth and yield,reducing chemical dependency,enabling the coconut-animal farming system,and generating extra profit.Legumes,fodder and pasture grasses have been identified as the common and trending cover crops for Sri Lanka.Comprehensive knowledge of selecting suitable cover crops,planting materials and proper agronomic practices are important for a successful cover cropping system under coconut.Farmers avoid this practice due to their ignorance on cover cropping,and its benefits,and due to the aggressive characteristics of cover crops such as reappearing behaviour,being an alternative host for pathogens,and competitiveness for natural resources.In this review,the unique attributes of common cover crop species are explained.Furthermore,the variety of on-farm benefits and ecosystem services of cover cropping and some important agronomic considerations are reviewed.Finally,future research potential for recommending new species and their adaptability to a wide range of ecological and ecosystem circumstances under coconut cultivation are investigated.