Abstract
Isotopically labelled nitrogen fertilizer was applied to four year-old coconut trees. After 3.5 months, aerial parts of the trees were harvested and partitioning of dry matter, total nitrogen and labelled nitrogen determined. Leaves contained more htan half of the dry weight, and more than two thrids of total nitrogen. Develoing organs were considerable sinks for nitrogen. Labelled nitrogen was contained in all parts of the coconut, except stipules and dry spathes, and indicates nitrogen cirulation throughout the tree. Little fertilizer N was distributed into nature bunches and shows that the nitrogen nutrition of the meat comes mainly from the husk and shell. Thus nitrogen fertilization would only influence production 8 to 10 months after fertilizer application.15 ref.Isotopically labelled nitrogen fertilizer was applied to four year-old coconut trees. After 3.5 months, aerial parts of the trees were harvested and partitioning of dry matter, total nitrogen and labelled nitrogen determined. Leaves contained more htan half of the dry weight, and more than two thrids of total nitrogen. Develoing organs were considerable sinks for nitrogen. Labelled nitrogen was contained in all parts of the coconut, except stipules and dry spathes, and indicates nitrogen cirulation throughout the tree. Little fertilizer N was distributed into nature bunches and shows that the nitrogen nutrition of the meat comes mainly from the husk and shell. Thus nitrogen fertilization would only influence production 8 to 10 months after fertilizer application.