Coconut Nutrition in the Markham Valley of New Guinea.

Abstract

The poor growth and production of coconuts in the Markham Valley of New Guinea is associated with a condition of sulphur deficiency. A twice-yearly application of sulphur and in some areas sulphur with nitrogen markedly improved the growth of seedlings and increased the production of nuts from mature palms. In trials the annual production of copra was increased from a low 200 to 500 kg per ha to 1700 kg per ha. This is equivalent to a net return of about K65 per ha if sulphur alone is used but only K43 per ha if nitrogen in addition is necessary.