Areca nut

Areca nut, also known as betel nut, is grown in Eastern India, primarily in parts of West Bengal and Bihar.

It is used in the preparation of betel quid, a popular traditional chewing mixture in many cultures.

Nutrients

Areca nut 1

Areca nut trees require various nutrients for their optimal growth and production such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Nitrogenous fertilisers like urea or ammonium sulfate are commonly applied to supplement nitrogen levels in the soil.

Phosphatic fertilisers such as single superphosphate or diammonium phosphate are commonly used to supply phosphorus to the soil.

Potassium-based fertilisers like potassium chloride or potassium sulfate are applied to meet the potassium requirements of areca nut trees.

Lime or calcium-containing fertilisers like calcium nitrate can be used to address calcium deficiencies in the soil.

Magnesium sulfate or dolomite lime can be used to supplement magnesium levels in the soil.

Sulphur-containing fertilisers like ammonium sulfate or gypsum are used to supply sulphur to the soil.

Micronutrient-rich fertilisers or foliar sprays are utilised to address micronutrient deficiencies.

Areca nut 2

Irrigation requirements

Establishment stage

During the initial stage of areca nut tree growth, regular watering is essential to support root establishment and ensure proper growth and survival of young plants. Adequate soil moisture should be maintained to encourage healthy root system development.

Vegetative growth stage

Areca nut trees require regular watering during the vegetative growth stage to support leaf production, shoot growth and overall plant development. Maintaining adequate soil moisture levels is important to promote healthy foliage and canopy formation.

Flowering and nut development stage

Water availability is crucial during the flowering and nut development stage of areca nut trees. Insufficient water during this period can lead to poor flower pollination, reduced nut set and smaller nut size. Adequate soil moisture should support proper flower development and fruit set.

Maturation stage

Maturation stage

The water requirement decreases as the areca nut fruits mature. Reducing irrigation during this stage is important to allow the nuts to ripen properly and avoid over-watering, which can lead to quality issues and disease susceptibility.

In areas with inadequate rainfall or during dry periods, supplemental irrigation is necessary to meet the water demands of areca nut trees as and when required. Areca nut trees benefit from deep watering to encourage deep-root development and improve drought tolerance.
It is important to note that excessive water can lead to waterlogged conditions, which can be detrimental to areca nut trees. Therefore, proper drainage should be ensured to prevent waterlogging and maintain a well-drained soil environment.

Locations

Tripura

District: West Tripura

West Bengal

Districts: Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri

Areca nut location