Sustainable intensification in coconut for building system resilience and nutritional security of smallholders in Eastern India
Abstract Coconut-based cropping systems are vital to the coastal rural economy, which faces challenges like declining soil fertility, low productivity, pest invasions, and climate change. The study conducted in the eastern Indian state of Odisha investigated strategies for sustainable intensificatio...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | npj Sustainable Agriculture |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-025-00080-2 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Coconut-based cropping systems are vital to the coastal rural economy, which faces challenges like declining soil fertility, low productivity, pest invasions, and climate change. The study conducted in the eastern Indian state of Odisha investigated strategies for sustainable intensification in coconut through multi-storied and intercropping, reinforced with soil test-based fertilizer management (STBFM). Multi-storied cropping with STBFM (T6) recorded significantly higher coconut equivalent yield (33,407 nuts ha−1) and net income (USD 4344.67 ha−1) annually. Correlation study revealed the importance of magnesium, calcium, and copper in enhancing system productivity and profitability. Multi-storied cropping with and without STBFM recorded the highest sustainability yield index (0.91 and 0.86). Nutritional composition was higher in T6 (energy—110,632 Kcal, fat—902 g, carbohydrates—22,344 g, and iron—5190 mg). The Present study highlights the need for the adoption of multi-storied/intercropping with judicious nutrient management for reinvigorating sustainable coconut farming at landscapes, besides ensuring smallholders’ nutritional security in eastern Indian states. |
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| ISSN: | 2731-9202 |