Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management with Recycling of Crop Biomass on Yield of Coconut Based Cropping System in East Coast Region of Andhra Pradesh

An experiment was conducted during 2014-2020 at the Horticultural Research Station, Dr. YSRHU, Ambajipeta, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the productivity of coconut and intercrops in a coconut-based cropping system (CBCS), as well as on soil fertility and plant nutrient content. The treatments were T1 - 75% of Recommended NPK (RDF) + vermicompost, T2 - 50% of RDF + vermicompost + vermiwash + biofertilizer + in situ green manuring, T3 - Fully organic: Vermicompost + vermiwash + biofertilizer + in situ green manuring + green leaf manuring (Gliricidia) + composted coir pith + mulching with coconut leaves, T4 - 100% RDF with mono cropping of coconut. Among the treatments, T1 (75% RDF + vermicompost) recorded the maximum yields of coconut (157.34 nuts palms-1 and 27848 nuts ha-1), cocoa (2.6 kg plant-1), banana (12.68 kg plant-1), elephant foot yam (2.48 kg plant-1), and pineapple (0.903 kg plant-1). This treatment also recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio of 3.22. Integrated nutrient management practices significantly improved coconut yield (by 15-20%), intercrop productivity, net returns (by 2.5 times), soil organic carbon (1.2%), soil moisture content (2%) and the population of beneficial soil micro-organisms. Based on the results, the application of 75% of RDF + vermicompost (prepared from biomass within CBCS) is recommended for sustainable cultivation in coconut-based cropping systems. This ensures enhanced yields and profitability while maintaining soil health.