Effect of nitrogen and potassium fertigation on growth, yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency of banana under subtropics

A field experiment was conducted during 2016–19 to standardize the fertilizer dose and scheduling for growth, yield and quality of banana under subtropical conditions at Research Farm of ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow. The highest mean pseudo stem girth (60.24 cm), leaf area (6.922 m²) and cumulative fruit yield (94.60 t/ha) were recorded in 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of N and K applied (40:25, 30:35, 30:25, 0.15) at different phenological stages of growth. Whereas, maximum B:C ratio (2.10) and Total Soluble Solids (21.7 ^OB) was recorded in 80% RDF of N and K applied (40:25, 30:35, 30:25, 0.15) at different stages of growth. Where as, mean nutrient use efficiency ((41.40 tons fruit/tons nutrient) was recorded in 60% RDF of N and K applied (10:10, 40:20, 30:20, 20:40) at vegetative growth, pre-flowering, flowering and bunch development stage in banana cultivar Grand Naine under subtropical conditions.