Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper “Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques” presents a well-structured and detailed approach to the use of organic fertilizers in coconut farming. The organization of the text is clear, allowing a progressive understanding of the different aspects covered, from the types of fertilizers to the best application practices and their environmental, economic and social impacts. The introduction contextualizes the topic well, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices for coconut farming, while the subsequent sections deepen the discussion with relevant information based on scientific literature.

One of the great highlights of the article is the quality of the images presented. They are well chosen and clearly illustrate the different methods of fertilizer application, the types of organic fertilizers and their effects on the soil and plants. The use of these images effectively complements the textual content, making the article more didactic and accessible, especially for readers who may not be familiar with the practices described. The presence of illustrative figures helps to reinforce important concepts and facilitates the visualization of techniques applicable in the field.

The title is clear and informative, but could be more specific to emphasize the impact of organic fertilizers on the productivity and sustainability of coconut crops.
Suggested improvement: “Good Practices and Techniques for Applying Organic Fertilizers for Sustainable Coconut Cultivation.”

 

The abstract presents a comprehensive overview of the importance of organic fertilizers in coconut cultivation, addressing the types, best practices, and environmental, economic, and social impacts. However, there are significant gaps that may compromise their effectiveness. The abstract mentions benefits, but does not present quantitative data or main findings of the study. These results should be added to improve the visibility of the work.
Ex: Regular applications increase the organic matter content, promote water retention, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Despite the greater initial effort, organic fertilization reduces costs with chemical inputs and improves the economic sustainability of plantations. The practice reduces nutrient leaching, improves carbon sequestration, and mitigates the effects of climate change. However, sSome sentences are repetitive and could be replaced by more objective information.

 

The introduction contextualizes the importance of organic fertilizers in coconut cultivation well, but lacks a clear justification for the research and a delimitation of the scope. Some references could be more recent.

 

The section "Types of Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming" is well structured and presents different types of fertilizers, but could include comparative data on efficiency and chemical composition comparing organic and chemical fertilizers using a table.

 

In the section "Application Techniques and Best Practices" the authors present in a very interesting way how organic fertilization should be done on coconut trees. However, just as the subtitle instigates the author, it disappoints. In the authors' view, what are the best practices for organic fertilization on coconut trees?

 

In the following topics, authors could suggest public policies or strategies to facilitate farmers' access to organic fertilizers more clearly.

 

Finally, in the topic "Future Perspectives Are Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming" the authors address technological innovations and public policies. As previously mentioned, public policy ideas could be added to the previous topics to help readers' dialogue and reflection. However, this topic is well written, but the specific technologies that are being developed to improve the application of organic fertilizers reported by the authors should be better explored. One suggestion is to present examples of countries that have successfully implemented policies to encourage the use of organic fertilizers.

Author Response

Reviewer 01

Comment 01

The abstract presents a comprehensive overview of the importance of organic fertilizers in coconut cultivation, addressing the types, best practices, and environmental, economic, and social impacts. However, there are significant gaps that may compromise their effectiveness. The abstract mentions benefits, but does not present quantitative data or main findings of the study. These results should be added to improve the visibility of the work. Ex: Regular applications increase the organic matter content, promote water retention, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Despite the greater initial effort, organic fertilization reduces costs with chemical inputs and improves the economic sustainability of plantations. The practice reduces nutrient leaching, improves carbon sequestration, and mitigates the effects of climate change. However, some sentences are repetitive and could be replaced by more objective information.

Answer 01

Thank you for your valuable suggestions. We have revised these sections by adding detailed research findings and enhancing discussions.

4.2.1. Cost-Effectiveness

The use of organic fertilizers is economically viable for coconut farmers and provides a more economically sustainable way to feed the plants. These fertilizers are made on the farm through composting, crop residues and other organic wastes, hence greatly reducing the cost of purchasing costly chemical fertilizers [71]. The use of locally available materials to produce fertilizers makes waste management a value-added agricultural practice which brings down input costs significantly [72]. Farmers can use locally available organic materials such as plant residue, livestock manure and green waste to formulate quality nutrient blends at a relatively low cost. This approach also helps to minimize the reliance on the external markets for agricultural inputs, which is normally volatile and unpredictable. When farmers reduce the number of inputs they have to purchase, they are able to control their own economic destinies more effectively [73]. A study conducted in the Coimbatore district of India demonstrated that organic coconut farming is a highly promising agricultural venture. The total production cost was Rs. 82,216 per hectare, while the net income over operational costs reached Rs. 295,888 per hectare. Furthermore, the net income over total costs amounted to Rs. 256,697 per hectare. Linear regression analysis revealed that coconut yield showed significant positive responses to organic inputs, specifically farmyard manure, bio-fertilizers, and coconut oil cake [74]. The positive impacts of the organic fertilizers on the long-term soil health also adds to the economic sustainability since the farmer may not have to spend a lot of money to rehabilitate the soil, control pests and diseases and recover the crop [75]. This comprehensive economic approach helps farmers to produce more sustainable and less dependent on external support agricultural systems.

Organic fertilizers provide a good hope for increasing coconut production and better-quality yield that are of immense economic importance to the farmers. Due to the slow released nutrient that is available in the natural fertilizers, plant growth is steady and vigorous, which may enhance the overall coconut yield [76]. The comprehensive nutrition leads to a healthier palm growth and thus, produces bigger and better coconuts that can be sold in the market at higher prices [77]. The status of organic cultivation itself becomes a desirable characteristic in marketing the produce, given the growing consumer concern for sustainably produced agricultural products [78]. Fresh coconuts grown organically are usually sold at a premium because of perceived health and environmental benefits hence an added economic advantage for farmers. The enhanced soil health from organic fertilization also enhances long-term production potential and thereby decreases the variability of yields and the corresponding variability of farm income [79]. As result mentioned in Table 3, the 100% organic treatment resulted in a higher coconut yield compared to both the control (100 and the 25% Organic treatment. Increasing the level of organic fertilizer consistently increased coconut yield, with the highest yield observed at 50% Organic + 50% RDF, followed by 100% Organic [80].

Table 3. Effect of different organic fertilizer ratios on coconut yield. Adapted from [80]

Treatments	Mean nut yield of coconut (No. of nuts/palm/year)
	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	Mean
25% Organic + 75% RDF	100	103	107	112	113	107
50% Organic + 50% RDF	114	112	124	123	122	119
100% Organic	109	112	113	114	117	113
Control	99	96	103	101	101	100

 

Organic fertilizers provide deep health and safety benefits to farmers, farm workers and consumers, providing a new social context to coconut farming [85]. These natural alternatives eliminate use of synthetic chemical fertilizer, which when used in agriculture exposes human being to many harmful agricultural chemicals that pose severe health consequences. Farmers and agricultural workers do not have direct contact with toxic substances that cause acute or chronic diseases, dermatitis, respiratory diseases, and other diseases in the long term [86].  Organic fertilizers enhance the activity of beneficial microorganisms, which play a critical role in mitigating heavy metal stress by aiding in the phytoremediation process and improving the bioavailability of essential nutrients for plants (Table 4).

Table 4. Beneficial microbes involve in phytoremediation. Adapted from [87]

Heavy metal	Micro-organism	Average sorption efficiency (%)
Chromium (Cr)	Bacillus circulans	96
	Bacillus subtilis	99.6
	Saccharomyces cerevisiae	95
Lead (Pb)	Cellulosimicrobium sp.	99.3-84.6
	Bacillus firmus	98.3
	Staphylococcus	82.6
Mercery (Hg)	Pseudomonas aeruginosa	90
	Bacillus licheniformis	70
	Candidapara psilosis	80
Copper (Cu)	Micrococcussp	55
	Desulfovibrio desulfuricans	90.3-90.1
	Bacillu sfirmus	74.9

 

Comment 02

The introduction contextualizes the importance of organic fertilizers in coconut cultivation well, but lacks a clear justification for the research and a delimitation of the scope. Some references could be more recent.

Answer 02

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have rearranged the justification section as follows.

A deeper understanding of several key factors is essential for the effective use of organic fertilizers in coconut agriculture. These factors include nutrient content, de-composition rate, soil type, climatic conditions, and the growth stage of the coconut palm, all of which influence the optimal fertilization regime. To achieve maximum benefits from organic amendments, farmers must adopt an integrated approach that considers these variables [6]. Soil health evaluation is fundamental to organic fertilization. Any fertilization program should begin with a thorough soil analysis to assess current nutrient levels, pH, organic matter content, and microbial populations [7]. Such evaluations help develop tailored fertilization strategies specific to each site, taking into account the unique characteristics of the coconut plantation. The most effective method in the use of organic coconut farming is the use of multiple sources of organic fertilizers [8]. This approach is also known as integrated nutrient management where different organic materials are added to the soil in a package to balance nutrient needs.

The timing and method of applying organic fertilizer are as important as the type of fertilizer to be used. Coconut palms have different nutrient needs at different stages of their growth from the young plant development to the mature stage of production [9,10]. Weather conditions such as seasonal changes, rainy period and local climate also affect the efficiency of fertilization measures. Since these are environmental fac-tors, farmers have to come up with strategies that counter them. The use of organic fertilization in coconut farming is one of the progressive methods that are being adopted in the current world trends of sustainable agriculture that enhance productivity, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture production [2]. Adopting comprehensive, systems-based organic nutrient management strategies ena-bles coconut farmers to develop more environmentally sustainable, high-yielding, and economically viable agricultural production systems [11]. This review seeks to offer an in-depth exploration of organic fertilizer utilization in coconut cultivation, encom-passing an examination of fertilizer types, their key benefits, optimal application methodologies, technological constraints, and future potential for promoting sustaina-ble coconut farming practices.

Comment 03

The section "Types of Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming" is well structured and presents different types of fertilizers, but could include comparative data on efficiency and chemical composition comparing organic and chemical fertilizers using a table.

Answer 03

Thank you for your important suggestion. Comparing the chemical composition of organic and inorganic fertilizer nutrients is not effective because these two types of fertilizers fundamentally differ in their composition.

Comment 04

In the section "Application Techniques and Best Practices" the authors present in a very interesting way how organic fertilization should be done on coconut trees. However, just as the subtitle instigates the author, it disappoints. In the authors' view, what are the best practices for organic fertilization on coconut trees?

Answer 04

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. Based on the section provided in 3.3, the authors present an intriguing yet somewhat technical approach to organic fertilization for coconut trees.  The key best practices highlighted include creating targeted nutrient delivery areas directly around the palm's root system. Unlike broad, indiscriminate fertilization, the authors advocate for strategic methods that ensure nutrients reach the trees most effectively. They recommend broadcasting techniques that provide extensive nutrient coverage, which is particularly crucial for young palms or during initial soil modification stages. What makes their approach innovative is the emphasis on advanced technological integration. They suggest using sophisticated fertigation systems that combine irrigation and fertilization, leveraging modern tools like GPS-equipped application equipment, specialized sensors, and nutrient management software. The goal is to maximize fertilizer efficiency while minimizing nutrient losses.

Comment 05

Finally, in the topic "Future Perspectives Are Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming" the authors address technological innovations and public policies. As previously mentioned, public policy ideas could be added to the previous topics to help readers' dialogue and reflection. However, this topic is well written, but the specific technologies that are being developed to improve the application of organic fertilizers reported by the authors should be better explored. One suggestion is to present examples of countries that have successfully implemented policies to encourage the use of organic fertilizers.

Answer 05

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have rearranged the above-mentioned section as follows.

Government policies will play a crucial role in reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices by providing a comprehensive support framework. Farmers are expected to adopt organic fertilization methods due to incentives such as subsidies and tax holidays [111]. Funding for research institutions will be increased to establish location-specific organic fertilization protocols. To ensure the implementation of best practices in organic coconut production, more robust certification programs will be developed [112]. Agricultural extension services will provide targeted training for farmers to enhance their skills in organic fertilization [113]. Local partnerships will foster the exchange of knowledge and technology on sustainable agriculture practices across nations. Furthermore, policy harmonization between climate change mitigation strategies and organic farming support will be prioritized [114]. Measures will be introduced to regulate the quality of organic fertilizers, preventing greenwashing. Institutional support will focus on developing effective impact assessment mechanisms to monitor the environmental and economic effects of organic farming interventions.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article “Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques” provides detailed material on coconut cultivation using organic fertilizers produced on the farm. The aim of using these fertilizers is to provide plants with nutrients to achieve sustainable coconut production.

 

Observations:

 

1. The article provides relevant overview material on the possibilities and methods of producing and using organic fertilizers. The article is easy to read and can be used as material for student studies or supplemented with specific research, as part of a monograph.
2. 4.1.1 states that “Organic fertilizers are thus a revolution in improving soil health in coconut plantations and are a good solution to sustainable agriculture”. Perhaps this is not such a big revolution from a scientific point of view, because organic fertilizers have been used since ancient times, when there were not even mineral fertilizers.
3. The article could be more scientific, more based on specific research results. For example, Section 4.1.3 states, “Over time as the organic matter and carbon breaks down, it assimilates itself into the land and creates very stable carbon which can stay locked up in the ground for relatively long periods.” It should be written how long it takes and under what conditions stable carbon is formed.
4. Section 4.2.1 states, “The use of organic fertilizers is economically viable for coconut farmers and provides a more economically sustainable way to feed the plants.” It would be good to be more specific about what the economic benefit would be in percentage terms, perhaps times, compared to the use of mineral fertilizers. Composting will involve additional costs, including machinery, human work, and other resources.

Author Response

Reviewer 02

Comment 01

The article provides relevant overview material on the possibilities and methods of producing and using organic fertilizers. The article is easy to read and can be used as material for student studies or supplemented with specific research, as part of a monograph.

4.1.1 states that “Organic fertilizers are thus a revolution in improving soil health in coconut plantations and are a good solution to sustainable agriculture”. Perhaps this is not such a big revolution from a scientific point of view, because organic fertilizers have been used since ancient times, when there were not even mineral fertilizers.

Answer 01

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have rearranged the above-mentioned section as follows.

Organic fertilizers play a crucial role in improving soil health in coconut plantations and serve as an effective solution for sustainable agriculture [57,58]. The application of these fertilizers modifies the soil structure, facilitating the incorporation of natural organic matter, which enhances porosity and aeration both essential for the optimal growth of coconut palms. Additionally, the improvement in soil structure boosts porosity and water retention capacity, thereby enhancing water uptake during drought periods [59,60].

Comment 02

The article could be more scientific, more based on specific research results. For example, Section 4.1.3 states, “Over time as the organic matter and carbon breaks down, it assimilates itself into the land and creates very stable carbon which can stay locked up in the ground for relatively long periods.” It should be written how long it takes and under what conditions stable carbon is formed.

Answer 02

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have rearranged the above-mentioned section as follows.

Organic fertilizers play a crucial role in carbon sequestration in coconut cultivation, making them a valuable tool in combating climate change. These fertilizers contain organic matter that aids in capturing carbon within the soil, reducing its release into the atmosphere [67]. By incorporating organic fertilizers, coconut plantations can transform agricultural landscapes into carbon sinks, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions [68]. The accumulation of soil carbon enhances soil health by increasing organic matter content, which not only improves soil structure but also boosts its capacity to store carbon, creating a beneficial cycle [69]. Furthermore, this approach supports both coconut palm nutrition and serves as a natural solution to global climate change challenges [70]. The application of organic nutrients not only promotes sustainable agriculture and food production but also strengthens carbon capture efforts, enabling farmers to contribute to both environmental conservation and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Comment 03

Section 4.2.1 states, “The use of organic fertilizers is economically viable for coconut farmers and provides a more economically sustainable way to feed the plants.” It would be good to be more specific about what the economic benefit would be in percentage terms, perhaps times, compared to the use of mineral fertilizers. Composting will involve additional costs, including machinery, human work, and other resources.

Answer 03

Thank you for your valuable suggestions. We have revised this section by adding detailed research findings and enhancing discussions.

4.2.1. Cost-Effectiveness

The use of organic fertilizers is economically viable for coconut farmers and provides a more economically sustainable way to feed the plants. These fertilizers are made on the farm through composting, crop residues and other organic wastes, hence greatly reducing the cost of purchasing costly chemical fertilizers [71]. The use of locally available materials to produce fertilizers makes waste management a value-added agricultural practice which brings down input costs significantly [72]. Farmers can use locally available organic materials such as plant residue, livestock manure and green waste to formulate quality nutrient blends at a relatively low cost. This approach also helps to minimize the reliance on the external markets for agricultural inputs, which is normally volatile and unpredictable. When farmers reduce the number of inputs they have to purchase, they are able to control their own economic destinies more effectively [73]. A study conducted in the Coimbatore district of India demonstrated that organic coconut farming is a highly promising agricultural venture. The total production cost was Rs. 82,216 per hectare, while the net income over operational costs reached Rs. 295,888 per hectare. Furthermore, the net income over total costs amounted to Rs. 256,697 per hectare. Linear regression analysis revealed that coconut yield showed significant positive responses to organic inputs, specifically farmyard manure, bio-fertilizers, and coconut oil cake [74]. The positive impacts of the organic fertilizers on the long-term soil health also adds to the economic sustainability since the farmer may not have to spend a lot of money to rehabilitate the soil, control pests and diseases and recover the crop [75]. This comprehensive economic approach helps farmers to produce more sustainable and less dependent on external support agricultural systems.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript with the title Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques is considered quite good. However, the review explanation given is still considered general and not like a review that compares all references. In addition, data related to quantitative success is not presented, so this reduces the assessment of a review paper. So my main suggestion:

1. Provide a strong background on why this topic should be reviewed. Are there any previous review papers other than this manuscript? If so, please compare the strengths of your review with other review papers.
2. make a comparative table or data collection related to the success of the use of integrated farming in coconut plantations
3. Provide quantitative evidence of success in the use of organic fertilizer or integrating farming in coconut plantations. 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

please improve it

Author Response

Reviewer 03

Comment 01

Provide a strong background on why this topic should be reviewed. Are there any previous review papers other than this manuscript? If so, please compare the strengths of your review with other review papers.

Answer 01

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have rearranged the above-mentioned section as follows.

A deeper understanding of several key factors is essential for the effective use of organic fertilizers in coconut agriculture. These factors include nutrient content, decomposition rate, soil type, climatic conditions, and the growth stage of the coconut palm, all of which influence the optimal fertilization regime. To achieve maximum benefits from organic amendments, farmers must adopt an integrated approach that considers these variables [6]. Soil health evaluation is fundamental to organic fertilization. Any fertilization program should begin with a thorough soil analysis to assess current nutrient levels, pH, organic matter content, and microbial populations [7]. Such evaluations help develop tailored fertilization strategies specific to each site, taking into account the unique characteristics of the coconut plantation. The most effective method in the use of organic coconut farming is the use of multiple sources of organic fertilizers [8]. This approach is also known as integrated nutrient management where different organic materials are added to the soil in a package to balance nutrient needs.

Comment 02

Make a comparative table or data collection related to the success of the use of integrated farming in coconut plantations. Provide quantitative evidence of success in the use of organic fertilizer or integrating farming in coconut plantations.

Answer 02

Thank you for your valuable suggestions. We have added detailed research findings and are enhancing the review's strengths

Organic fertilizers provide a good hope for increasing coconut production and better-quality yield that are of immense economic importance to the farmers. Due to the slow released nutrient that is available in the natural fertilizers, plant growth is steady and vigorous, which may enhance the overall coconut yield [76]. The comprehensive nutrition leads to a healthier palm growth and thus, produces bigger and better coconuts that can be sold in the market at higher prices [77]. The status of organic cultivation itself becomes a desirable characteristic in marketing the produce, given the growing consumer concern for sustainably produced agricultural products [78]. Fresh coconuts grown organically are usually sold at a premium because of perceived health and environmental benefits hence an added economic advantage for farmers. The enhanced soil health from organic fertilization also enhances long-term production potential and thereby decreases the variability of yields and the corresponding variability of farm income [79]. As result mentioned in Table 3, the 100% organic treatment resulted in a higher coconut yield compared to both the control (100 and the 25% Organic treatment. Increasing the level of organic fertilizer consistently increased coconut yield, with the highest yield observed at 50% Organic + 50% RDF, followed by 100% Organic [80].

Table 3. Effect of different organic fertilizer ratios on coconut yield. Adapted from [80]

Treatments	Mean nut yield of coconut (No. of nuts/palm/year)
	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	Mean
25% Organic + 75% RDF	100	103	107	112	113	107
50% Organic + 50% RDF	114	112	124	123	122	119
100% Organic	109	112	113	114	117	113
Control	99	96	103	101	101	100

 

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Okay, I think it is good to publish