298 Coco-nuts The Consols of the East 



the natural requirements of the palm itself, but 

 also the capacity of the palm for assimilating 

 the various fertilizing ingredients must be 

 borne in mind. In consideration of the fore- 

 going, the following may be taken as a fairly 

 reliable formula per acre : Nitrogen, 30 Ib. ; 

 phosphoric acid, 45 Ib. ; potash, 45 Ib. ; 

 lime, 30 Ib. 



With regard to the use of salt, there are 

 conflicting opinions. Some planters maintain 

 that upon suitable coco-nut soils i.e., light 

 and permeable common salt is positively 

 injurious. At the same time, it is admitted 

 that the coco-nut is able to take up large 

 quantities. It is argued, however, that the 

 records show that the presence of salt in no 

 way contributes to the health, vigour, or fruit- 

 fulness of the tree. 



On the other hand, it is stated that the 

 benefits derived from its use are universally 

 recognized. Be that as it may, the applica- 

 tion of such a manure as potash in the form of 

 kainit, which contains 40 per cent, of salt, 

 should be quite sufficient to supply the neces- 

 sary amount of that ingredient, and therefore 

 salt as a separate or special fertilizer may 

 perhaps be omitted without harm, if kainit 

 is used. 



In order to supply the necessary humus, 

 stable manure should be applied in addition 

 where it is obtainable ; if it is not obtainable, 

 then some green manure must be grown and 

 turned in. 



