Identification of the Optimal Lopping Stage of Gliricidia Sepium used as Manure for Coconut Plantations

S. S. Udumann, Kudamuththettuwe Gedara Sanduni Darshika Bandara, S. Ranawana, U.G. Apekshika T. Premathilake, A. Atapattu
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Abstract

In the light of the current fertilizer crisis in Sri Lanka, there has been a notable increase in the demand for organic fertilizers. Consequently, Gliricidia sepium, a nitrogen-fixing tree, has emerged as a viable option serving as green manure and soil amendment in coconut plantations. However, determining the most appropriate stage for lopping Gliricidia to obtain its optimal nutrient compositions remains uncertain. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to identify the optimal lopping stage of G. sepium as soil amendment in coconut plantations. The experiment was conducted over three months in an established Gliricidia field, following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Plant samples were collected at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after initial cutting, corresponding to different growth stages. The samples were further analyzed to measure various growth parameters and nutrient contents across the lopping stages. The collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a 5% significance level on Minitab 17 software. The results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the mean values of growth metrics and nutrient contents across the lopping stages. As the plant matured, the leaf biomass percentage showed a descending trend while the stem biomass percentage had an ascending pattern. At 10 weeks, leaves displayed the highest nitrogen content (3.43%), thus representing the optimal stage for fulfilling the nitrogen requirements of adult coconut palms, with minimal leaf biomass. These findings have identified the optimal lopping stage of G. sepium to maximize its efficacy as green manure for coconut cultivation. It is recommended that future studies further explore potential positive impacts of utilizing G. sepium as an intercropped green manure, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the coconut sector.
确定椰子种植园中用作肥料的鹅掌楸的最佳砍伐阶段
鉴于斯里兰卡当前的肥料危机,对有机肥料的需求明显增加。因此,固氮树 Gliricidia sepium 成为椰子种植园绿肥和土壤改良的可行选择。然而,确定砍伐槟榔树以获得其最佳营养成分的最合适阶段仍不确定。因此,本研究的主要目的是确定椰子树作为椰子种植园土壤改良剂的最佳砍伐阶段。实验在一片已建成的 Giricidia 地里进行,为期三个月,采用随机完全区组设计,三次重复。在最初砍伐后的 4、6、8、10 和 12 周,即不同的生长阶段,采集植物样本。对样本进行进一步分析,以测量不同砍伐阶段的各种生长参数和养分含量。收集到的数据在 Minitab 17 软件上以 5%的显著性水平进行单因素方差分析。结果表明,不同砍伐期的生长指标和养分含量的平均值存在明显差异(P<0.05)。随着植株的成熟,叶片生物量百分比呈下降趋势,而茎生物量百分比呈上升趋势。10 周时,叶片含氮量最高(3.43%),因此是满足成年椰子树氮需求的最佳阶段,叶片生物量最小。这些发现确定了 G. sepium 的最佳砍伐阶段,以最大限度地发挥其作为椰子种植绿肥的功效。建议今后的研究进一步探讨利用蟛蜞菊作为间作绿肥的潜在积极影响,从而促进椰子行业的可持续农业实践。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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