Nutrient Deficiencies in Semi-Shade Arecanut Gardens: Causes, Symptoms, and Smart Solutions
Arecanut cultivation has expanded massively in Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of coastal India. Farmers often grow pepper, cocoa, banana, and other intercrops along with Arecanut. While this multi-cropping system improves income, it creates a semi-shade condition where sunlight penetration to soil is very low. Over time, this shade leads to poor “sunlight recharge” of the…