Effect of planting technique and fertigation on growth, yield and quality of banana (Musa sp)

An experiment was conducted during 1997–98 and 1999–2000 to assess the effect of planting technique and fertigation through drip on the growth, yield and quality of banana (Musa sp.). Twelve treatments comprising 2 fertilizer sources [water-soluble and straight (N through drip)], 3 fertilizer levels [50, 75 and 100% of recommended fertilizer (444:178:888 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O/ha)] and 2 planting systems [normal planting (1.5 m x 1.5 m) and triangular paired planting (0.90–2.10 m x 1.5 m) along with surface method of irrigation using straight fertilizer as usual were tried in factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. Banana yield was significantly higher under normal planting than paired planting, resulting 11.38% higher fruit yield. The yield of banana was increased significantly where water-soluble fertilizer used in fertigation compared to straight fertilizer. The yield, pulp: peel ratio and total soluble solids (TSS) were increased significantly by application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer. Application of 50% recommended fertilizer dose thought drip, resulted in 50% of fertilizer saving than surface irrigation. Water-use efficiency under drip at 100% fertilizer level was more than double compared to surface method of irrigation (2.18 kg/ha-cm). The returns and benefit: cost ration were significantly higher in normal planting in straight fertilizer with N through drip and application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer than those observed under the treatments of paired planting straight fertilizer and lower fertilizer levels.