CONSUMPTIVE-USE AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENT OF COCONUT (COCOS-NUCIFERA) IN COASTAL SANDY SOILS

Crop coefficient for young-bearing coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms was approximated as 0.96, based on water requirement by the crop and the potential evapo-transpiration computed by the modified Penman method. Monthly crop evapo-transpiration values were evaluated from the above value of crop coefficient and 75% dependable potential evapo-transpiration values were computed for the period 1971-85. The depth of irrigation water to be supplied was worked out to 27 mm based on the available soil water and allowable depletion of moisture level. Depending on the evapo-transpiration by the crop, the irrigation intervals fixed were 6 days in December-January and 5 days in February-May.