Low nutrient reserves and poor soil fertility management in coconut cultivation have limited coconut productivity. Biochar is one of the best solutions to improve soil nutrient reserves and fertility over time. This study explored the best rate of biochar application in coconut-growing soils to reduce leaching losses and macronutrient enrichment. Two major coconut-growing soil series; Madampe (Sandy) and Andigama (Sandy loam) were used in the experiment. Gliricidia wood biochar (BC) pyrolyzed at 700 °C was used to amend the 0−15 cm topsoil in PVC columns at the rates of 0% BC, 1% BC, 2% BC and 3% BC (w/w) with recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer. Columns were arranged in Completely Random Design (CRD) with three replicates and leached two weeks intervals over five months. Our findings revealed two distinct scenarios for sandy and sandy loam soils. Considering the retention of macronutrients in sandy loam soil treated with 2% and 3% biochar, the order of retention was P > K > Mg > Ca. However, soil N was not altered substantially (P > 0.05) with the amount of biochar amendment. Similarly, in sandy soil, 3% BC treatment demonstrated the sequence P > Mg > N = Ca, although soil K was not differed significantly (P > 0.05) with biochar amendment rate. Albeit a once-in-a-lifetime application of 3% biochar could be recommended on coconut-growing sandy soils, application of this rate would be unprofitable. Thus, the 2% rate will be more appropriate for both sandy and sandy loam soils. These application rates must be validated through long-term field experiments under major coconut-growing soils.

As a result of the increase in agricultural production and environmental pollution, waste management and disposal are becoming vital. Proper treatments, such as converting abundant bio-mass wastes into beneficial materials, might mitigate the negative effects and convert waste into reusable resources. Aquatic weeds are a significant concern in the majority of water bodies. Their quick growth, rapid ecological adaptations, and lack of natural enemies make these plants invasive, problematic, and challenging to manage over time. Although there are many methods to manage aquatic weeds, composting has been identified as one of the easily adapted and eco-friendly methods for transferring nutrients to the cropping cycle. Their short life cycle, higher biomass yield, higher nutrient compositions, and allelopathic and phytoremediation properties confirm their suitability as raw materials for composting. Most aquatic ecosystems can be maintained in optimum conditions while facilitating maximum benefits for life by identifying and developing proper composting techniques. Studying the ecology and morphological features of aquatic weeds is essential for this purpose. This is an overview of identifying the potential of aquatic weeds as a source of composting, targeting sustainable plant nutrient management while managing weeds.

Lack of water and poor use of water for irrigation are significant issues affecting food security and environmental conservation around the world. Precision irrigation systems based on artificial intelligence use soil moisture prediction, evapotranspiration, and crop water stress for the precise application of water. Smart allocation and scheduling make use of accurate time weather data to optimize the time and quantity of water to be used in irrigation. In predictive maintenance, IoT sensors and machine learning are used to identify and solve equipment problems before they occur, while AI keeps water quality appropriate for the crops.By integrating AI with existing conservation practices and indigenous knowledge, it is possible to generate site-specific and sustainable approaches to the use of water in different agricultural settings. While climate change aggravates the water deficit worldwide, AI holds the potential to pave better ways for sustainable and secure food production.

Tithonia diversifolia is often grown as a cover crop or as a green manure crop in climate-smart agriculture practices. This plant can be harvested at various growth stages, and the biomass can be incorporated into the soil. The decomposition of plant biomass enhances the soil’s nutrients, organic matter content, and crop productivity. This study aimed to determine the best harvesting stage of T. diversifolia to be used as an efficient soil amendment for coconut plantations. Samples were collected at one-, two-, three-, and four-month harvesting stages from an existing T. diversifolia field at Rathmalagara Research Station of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. In the study, both plant-growth parameters and the nutrient composition of each plant part were individually evaluated for every section of the plant. Biochar was prepared from hardwood stems of T. diversifolia using them as the feedstock under five different temperatures from 300 ℃ to 700 ℃, and a proximate analysis was performed for the characterization of produced biochar. The mean values of measured parameters of T. diversifolia and the properties of biochar were significantly different (p < 0.05) at different growth stages and temperatures, respectively. Considering all the measured parameters of T. diversifolia, the three-month harvesting stage can be suggested as the best growth stage for it to be used as green manure. According to the proximate-analysis results, and by observing the half-burning of produced biochar, 500 ℃ can be proposed as the ideal temperature to produce biochar from hardwood stems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant, and analyzed for dry matter (DM) yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average DM yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean DM yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141 ± 193 kg/ha to 3314 ± 212 kg/ha and 4231 ± 407 kg/ha to 9152 ± 531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3 ± 0.2% to 18.5 ± 0.2% and 30.0 ± 0.4% to 33 ± 0.3%, respectively. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8 heads/ha and 24 heads/ha, respectively, including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15% discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats are integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher.

Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a package for sustainable coconut production. This review examines the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers, which include compost, vermicompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, and biofertilizers. The review focuses on the best practices, application methods, time of application, frequency and rate of application of nutrients for coconut palm at various developmental stages. The study provides a detailed and systematic review of the environmental, economic and social impacts of organic fertilization. Benefits include enhanced soil health, biodiversity promotion, carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness, quality improvement of the yield, food security and possibilities of creating rural income. Issues including resource accessibility difficulties, nutrient deficiencies, and intensive labor requirements are explored in detail, as well as future trends that focus on advanced technologies, new research areas, and policy approaches. Thus, the study reviews organic fertilization as a coherent concept that can be applied to coconut production and other goals of environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development of agriculture.