Areca nut is propagated through seed. Around 500 plants can be accommodated in an acre. The planting is to be done during May-June in well- drained soils and during August-September in clayey soils.
Seed collection
The seedlings are raised in primary and secondary nurseries. 12 to 18 months old seedlings are used for planting. Seedlings having the maximum number of leaves and the minimum height are best for planting.
Site selection and layout
Select a site for an arecanut plantation that offers protection from extreme temperatures, hot sun, and heavy winds. The site should have proper drainage and access to a reliable water source for irrigation. The soil depth and water table should be considered, with rows ideally aligned in a north-south direction to mitigate sun exposure.
Spacing and depth of planting
Pits of size 60 x 60 x 60 cm are made for planting. The recommended spacing is 2.7 x 2.7m with north-south alignment. The rows should be deflected at an angle of 35 degree towards west. The pits are filled up with organic manure @ 12 kg/plant along with top soil. The seedlings are planted at the center of the pit. The soil is covered up to the collar level and pressed intact.
Watering
The palms should be irrigated once in 3 to 5 days, depending upon the soil type. About 175 liters of water is needed per palm per irrigation. The drip irrigation system should be adopted in water deficient areas. Irrigation is found to double yield.
Fertilizers management
The fertilizers have to be applied in split doses at September-October and March-April. Magnesium sulphate @ 60-gram, borax and zinc sulphate @ 20 gram per palm/year can be recommended for yellowing affected palms. Apply manures and fertilizers during September- October in circular basins of 15-20 cm depth and with a radius of 0.75-1.0 m from the palm. Apply the second dose of fertilizers around the base of palm after weeding and mix into soil by light forking.
Cultural operation
The main cultural operations, such as light forking or digging to break the irrigation crust and to control weeds, are performed generally in October-November. Intercropping with elephant foot yam, pineapple, pepper, betel vine, banana, guinea grass, cocoa, ginger and cardamom can be grown in arecanut gardens. While planting cocoa, a spacing 2.7 m x 5.4 m is recommended. In all cases, the intercrops should be manured adequately and separately.
Disease and pest management
Arecanut faced various diseases and pests, including yellow leaf disease, leaf spot nut-splitting, stem bleeding and more. Implement preventative measures such as proper sanitation, the use of resistant varieties, and integrated pest management practices to control these threats.
Every step of the process, from choosing premium seeds to putting in place appropriate nutrition management and disease control, needs careful consideration for a successful areca nut plantation in India. Every step of the process, from choosing premium seeds to putting in place appropriate nutrition management and disease control, needs careful consideration for a successful areca nut plantation in India.