After a brief presentation of conventional planting devices, we analyze a new group coconut plantation device (G3PH). We come to the conclusion that the planting density proposed so far is excessive. We then proposes various innovative solutions. Some consist only of separating groups of coconut palms in order to reach more appropriate planting densities. Others then explore various planting arrangements in groups of three or four coconut palms (G4K1, G3K1), with the progressive elimination of the least productive coconut palms to increase the genetic value and the productivity of the plantation. Finally, it specifies the situations in which these group planting systems are most appropriate, and the increases in yield or resilience that can be expected.
For illustrating this section, we can produce on request at least one large size HD poster (up to 180x100 cm in size). Such poster should be adapted to each country, on a case-by-case basis.
©R. Bourdeix, 2021, section CACE.
1.Conventional planting systems
In large plantations, there is an advantage in providing continuous picking of the entire plantation, which requires the provision of roads and tracks with widths corresponding to the spacing of lines of coconut trees. Possible options are as follows:
- Square system – Palms are set at fixed equal distance at the corner of each square, the distance between palms in each row and the distance between adjacent rows being the same.
- Triangular system – Palms are set at fixed distance at the corners of an equilateral triangle. About 15% more palms can be accommodated per unit area under this system, and this is the most common method presently used for both coconut and oil palm.
- Rectangular system – Rows are set at right angles to one another but the distance between the palms in the row is closer than those between the rows. This system provides for a slightly lower number of palms in a stand but allows for more room for growing intercrops.
- Plantation along geographical contour lines in slopes submitted to erosion.
- Quincunx system – This system is used for replanting old coconut plantations where the old palms will be removed as soon as the new seedlings are established. Seedlings are planted in the center of each square of old palms.
- As shown in the drawing hereunder, they are more planting designs, generally used for intercropping.
 |
| In 2018, we were surprised to observe this planting design in the Dominican Republic. It was planted long before the related video and papers are published, which shows that imaginative and enterprising farmers can have the same great ideas! |
3. Improvement of the G3PH model proposed by Louise Adams
 |
| Représentation d'un hectare de plantation G3PH avec un espacement de 14.3 m entre les groupes d'arbres |
3. Towards new planting designs: G4K1? G3K1?
The first concept came up when studying the methods for
selecting parent palms in Tall-type populations. It appears that most of the
methods used in the Pacific region for selecting parent palms are only
conservative, meaning that the progeny has the same genetic value than the
parent palms. With Vijendra Kumar from Fiji, we proposed a better method for
selecting parent palms. This method, based on fruit analysis, allows a genetic
progress of 5 to 10% on the progeny. Even if this better method is applied, the
genetic progress will so remain quite limited. But: If the efficiency of
selection on parent palms remain limited, when the palms are planted and start
to produce, it is much more easy to see which ones are the good producers and
which one are the bad producers. So the first concept was to plant about 33%
more coconut palms than initially planted (plant 4 instead of 3), and to kill
25 % of the worst palms during the first years of production (From 4 kill 1).
By this way, the farmer will avoid the burden of keeping in her/his farm the
less productive coconut palms and for 50 years. When the farmer will reproduce
its coconut palms, the worst palms will be excluded from pollination, giving a
better progeny for future plantations.
The second concept is G3PH, "Group of three palms per hill" as described up. in G3PH, palms are planted three by three in a triangle design, at a 2 m distance, and each triangle is located at a 10 m distance from the next triangle by in a global square design.
Merging the two concepts suggests a new technique: to plant groups of 4 palms, at each corner in a square design sized 1.8 m. The centre of each 4-palms square is located at a 10 m distance from the centre of next 4-palms square in a global square design. The palms are planted and carefully observed by the farmers. Then, after 4 to 7 years of planting, farmers make decision and kill one palm (the less productive) in each of the square groups of 4 palms. Coconut hearts and leaves of the killed palms can be used by the farmer or sold..
