Banana Nutrient Requirements and Fertilization Program

Banana Fertilization Needs

Bananas generally have high nutrient needs and may need extra fertilizer due to their big fruit production and aggressive, quick growth.

However, before we begin planting, we should take into account the importance of conducting a basic soil analysis to define the plant available phosphate and pH. Organic or inorganic fertilizers should be utilized to increase nutrient uptake from banana plants and decrease nutrient losses based on quantitative information on soil nutrients collected by soil analysis.

Fertilize the soil using 4 bags of MAP fertilizer (Monoammonium phosphate) per hectare. Add 2 bags of lime if the pH is low on soil analysis. Soil ameliorants like agricultural lime may be broadcasted at this land preparation stage to correct pH, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies.

In my country, in cultivation practice for Banana farming, the Basal Application Fertilization is done around the base of the planting hole and consists of the following:

Potash 50 grams,

Amosol, 50 grams,

Dap and Chicken dung, 2 Kg

In our own application of fertilizers on the farm, we basically apply Urea and Potash. The rate or grams per hill depends on the age of the banana plant.

Age planting to shoot: 100 grams per hill every 4 weeks of Urea

100 grams per hill every 4 weeks of Potash

Shoot to bearing plants with :  40 grams per hill every 8 weeks of Urea

60 grams per hill every 8 weeks of Potash

The Cavendish banana requires regular fertilizer application because it is a heavy feeder. Most farmers use an 8-10-8 NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) fertilizer. You can spread the fertilizer around the base of the trunk evenly once a month, avoiding getting in contact with it. If growing an edible banana type, as the plant begins to flower, switch to a higher-potassium fertilizer; however, once fruits begin to develop, stop fertilizing.

Basic Ingredients & Nutrients that bananas need to grow

Nitrogen – The pseudostem and leaves of a banana tree thrive with sufficient nitrogen. Nitrogen gives the banana plants a sturdy stem structure and keeps its leaves’ bright green sheen. Banana trees will consequently consistently provide you with enormous seasonal crops.

Phosphorus: Your banana tree needs phosphorus to develop a solid, robust rhizome and strong roots. Three to nine months after planting, use phosphorus during crop cycles.

Potassium – Young banana plant shoots are conventionally stimulated by potassium. It also hastens the ripening and maturation of the fruit. Thus, potassium is a fantastic nutrient to enhance the general quality of banana plants.

Fertilizer recommendations for bananas growing in acidic soils

S.S.P – Single scoop of Phosphate

M.O.P – Muriate of Potash

D.A.P – Di-Ammonium Phosphate

Time of Planting: 75 grams S.S.P /plant

600 grams Rock Phosphate /plant

30^th Day Stage: 50 grams Urea /plant

50 grams M.O.P /plant

75^th Day Stage: 90 grams Urea /plant

50 grams D.A.P /plant

75 grams S.S.P /plant

85 grams M.O.P /plant

110^th Day Stage:   115 grams Urea

50 grams D.A.P /plant

85 grams M.O.P /plant

150^th Day Stage: 100 grams Urea /plant

100 grams M.O.P /plant

180^th Day Stage: 90 grams Urea /plant

100 grams M.O.P /plant

Flower Emerging Stage: 100 grams M.O.P /plant

Note: No Nitrogen should be given after the banana flowering stage.

References

http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/expert_system/banana/Nutrientmgmt.html

Further reading

Banana: Crop History, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Banana Plant Information & Environmental Requirements

Banana Variety Selection

Banana Plant Care – Commercial Cultivation of Bananas

Soil Requirements and Land Preparation for Bananas

Banana Planting Distances and Support Systems

Banana Water Requirements & Irrigation Systems

Banana Nutrient Requirements and Fertilization Program

Banana Plant Protection – Major Banana Diseases

Banana Plant Protection – Common Pests of Banana Plants

Banana Yield, Harvest, Processing and Storage

Banana Exports and Markets