ABSTRACT
The coconut root system is composed of fibrous, branching roots which are attached to the base of the trunk or "bole." Mature roots are stringy and slightly rope-like in appearance. Establishing pastures under coconuts should be done in such a way that the best pasture can be developed with least injury to the coconuts. This will require planning as well as knowledge of the plants to be grown. Success or failure of planting pastures will depend heavily on the type and quality of land preparation methods used. Land preparation should be done as carefully and well as economics, equipment, labor supply, and soil conditions allow. Disagreement exists as to the effect of tillage on coconuts, because some coconut roots are close to the soil surface and may be damaged by tillage implements. Subsoiling of coconut plantations in Sri Lanka is sometimes practiced using heavy tines which work as deep as 0.6 m.
