Effect of Varying Levels of Primary Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Nedu Nendran Variety of Banana under Open Precision Farming
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted at Banana Research Station, Kannara, Kerala Agricultural University during the 2023-24 cropping season to determine the optimum level of nutrients of fertigation doses for enhancing banana productivity and profitability.
The experiment was arranged under open precision farming in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The investigation's results showed that different levels of macronutrients applied through drip fertigation significantly impacted the growth, development, yield, and quality of the banana crop. Nitrogen and potassium had different but complementary roles throughout the crop cycle. Nitrogen availability heavily influenced vegetative growth. Treatment T4 (150% N) had the highest pseudostem height, girth, number of functional leaves, and total leaf area. While this higher nitrogen application created a large vegetative framework, it did not lead to the highest economic yield. On the other hand, potassium application was the main factor for improving yield. Treatment T10 (150% K) had the best economic yield parameters, with a maximum bunch weight of 14.11 kg, 7.00 hands per bunch, 72.00 total fingers per bunch, and an individual finger weight of 162 g. This better yield came from potassium helping with optimal cell expansion and efficient movement of carbohydrates from the leaves to the fruit.
In summary, when comparing different levels of primary nutrients, the most effective fertigation doses were 125% N, 100% P, and 150% K. This combination was the most productive and economically sound nutrient management strategy for commercial banana cultivation in the studied agro-climatic conditions.
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Introduction
Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important and widely eaten fruit crops around the world. It plays a vital role in global food security and helps generate income in rural areas. Due to its high carbohydrate content and abundance of potassium and essential vitamins, bananas are a key part of the diet for millions. India is the largest producer of bananas, contributing about 26.4% of total world production (FAO, 2023). The crop occupies a significant share of the fruit-growing land in the country, yielding around 30 million metric tonnes each year. However, productivity levels differ greatly across various agro-climatic regions (Rajendran, 2018). As a result, improving per hectare productivity is a main goal to meet the rising market demand and boost farmer income.
Banana is a large herbaceous perennial with a soft pseudostem and is known to require a lot of nutrients (Kuttimani et al., 2013). It has a shallow and spreading root system, with most active roots found in the top layers of soil. Therefore, the substantial vegetative biomass of bananas needs a steady supply of water and macronutrients to support growth and fruit development (Stevens et al., 2020).
Conclusion
The present study was undertaken to determine the optimum nutrient levels under drip fertigation for enhancing growth, yield, and economic returns in banana cultivation. The results showed that nitrogen and potassium have different but complementary roles in crop development. Higher nitrogen levels significantly boosted vegetative growth. This was clear from the increased pseudostem height and girth, with the greatest growth observed in treatment T4 (150% N). However, more vegetative growth did not always lead to the highest fruit yield.
On the other hand, potassium was crucial for reproductive performance. Treatment T10 (150% K) had the heaviest bunch weight, larger finger size, and better transfer of resources from source to sink. More potassium improved the movement of carbohydrates and cell expansion in the developing fruits. This led to better yield characteristics. Phosphorus at 150% level (T7) supported maximum root development, which is vital for taking up nutrients and water.
Based on the comprehensive analysis of growth parameters, yield attributes, and biomass partitioning, the individual fertigation doses of 125% N (as in T3), 100% P (basal + fertigation as per schedule), and 150% K (as in T10) are recommended to achieve the highest yield potential, profitability, and nutrient use efficiency for banana cultivation in the studied agro-climatic region. However, there is possibility of achieving even higher yield levels with potassium doses exceeding 150% of the recommendation, which warrants further investigation.
References
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