Climate & Soil

Coconut requires an equatorial climate with high humidity. The ideal mean annual temperature is 27oC with 5-7o diurnal variation. The palm does not withstand prolonged spells of extreme variations. A well-distributed rainfall of 1300-2300 mm per annum is preferred.

Coconut is grown in different soil types such as laterite, coastal sandy, alluvial, and also in reclaimed soils of the marshy lowlands. It tolerates salinity and a wide range of pH (from 5.0-8.0). The cultural practices have to be adopted to suit the varying soil conditions. Proper drainage, good water-holding capacity, optimum soil moisture and absence of rock or any hard substratum within 2 m of the surface are ideal for better growth and performance of the palm.