Effect of drip irrigation and mulches on the growth and yield of banana cv. Dwarf Cavendish

The experiments were conducted to study the effect of drip irrigation and mulches on the growth and yield of banana. The experiment comprised of eight drip-irrigated and two surface irrigated treatments. Results showed that drip irrigation increased banana yield as compared to surface method of irrigation along with good water saving. It was observed that drip alone could save water considerably without any reduction in banana production, while drip coupled with mulches could simultaneously increase the crop yield in addition to water savings. Application of plastic mulch along with drip irrigation system was found better.The maximum yield of 498.68 q/ha was recorded under 60% water through drip with plastic mulch, which did not differ significantly from other treatments with same combination, but significantly better than basin irrigation. All drip treatments either alone or in combination with mulches resulted in higher return than surface method of irrigation. The benefit: cost ratio was also observed higher in drip irrigation with plastic mulch as compared to control.