THE QUESTION OF FERTILISATION 97 



the fruit. They may be introduced in the form 

 of potash, or Kainit for potash, or bone meal for 

 phosphorus, according to the needs of the soil. 

 All fallen leaves and coconut husks not otherwise 

 utilised should be removed, burnt, and the ashes 

 forked into the ground from time to time with the 

 other fertilising materials. 



On the other hand, there are many experts who 

 consider that some planters are disposed to exag- 

 gerate the importance of artificial fertilisers, which, 

 they contend, do not always yield results com- 

 mensurate with their cost, and lead to the neglect 

 of natural fertilisers that are available. These 

 experts maintain that most of the constituents 

 necessary for raising healthy, productive coconut 

 trees, such as dead leaves, husks, shells, table 

 and fish manure, ashes from burnt timber and 

 other refuse, are to be found on every plantation, 

 and that it only remains for those responsible 

 to utilise these natural fertilisers to the best 

 advantage. 



Where cattle and other domestic animals are 

 kept, as in Ceylon, they furnish adequate fertilising 

 matter, which, when mixed with some artificial 

 product, constitutes an excellent stimulant for the 

 soil. In addition there are plenty of patent ferti- 

 lisers specially prepared to favour different crops, 

 each one being accompanied by directions which 

 enable the planter to select the most suitable for 



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