Coconut Experiment Work in New Ireland (Part I).

Abstract

A description is given of a field survey of coconut plantations on the east coast of New Ireland, where extensive production decline has occurred in recent years. Palms were classified into four groups : healthy palms, old declining palms, heterogeneous palm stands, and stunted palms. These are related to soil types. Coral sands and red-brown clay-loams usually carry healthy palms, while yellow-brown
clay-loams usually carry heterogeneous palms. It was concluded that the major factor causing decline probably was nutrient deficiency
in the soil, therefore fertilizer trails should be laid down.