Irrigation and drainage

• Irrigate the palms during hot and dry periods at regular intervals.
• The palms should be irrigated once in four to seven days depending upon the soil type and climatic factors.
• In west coast, where major area of arecanut gardens are irrigated, watering the garden once in seven or eight days during November-December, once in six days during January-February and once in three to five days during March-April-May is recommended.
• In each irrigation, give about 175 litres of water per palm.
• Where there is shortage of water, follow drip irrigation.
• Application of organic mulch to the garden helps in conservation of soil moisture.
• Construct drainage channels (25-30 cm deep from the bottom of pits) between the rows and drain out water during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent waterlogging.

Cultural operations

• Keep the garden free of weeds and break up surface crust by light forking or digging after cessation of monsoon during October- November.
• In slopes, prevent soil erosion by terracing.
• Sow seeds of green manure-cumcover crops such as Mimosa invisa,
• Stylosanthes gracilis and Calapagonium muconoides in April-May with the onset of pre-monsoon rains.
• Cut and apply them to the palms in September-October.

Intercropping and mixed cropping

• Crops such as elephant foot yam, pineapple, pepper, betel vine, banana, guinea grass, cocoa, ginger and cardamom can be grown in arecanut gardens.
• While planting cocoa, a spacing 2.7 m x 5.4 m is recommended.
• In all cases, the intercrops should be manured adequately and separately.