Soil Requirements and Land Preparation for Bananas

Bananas may grow from sea level to 1,800 meters (5,905.5 feet) above sea level.

A loamy, sandy soil is ideal for growing Cavendish bananas. The plants need rich, dark, and fertile soils rich in organic matter, deep (0.5 to 1 meter), with minimum slope (flat 0-1%) that can maintain a good moisture level and be well-drained. Any soil that retains too much water (waterlogging) will cause the plant to perish rapidly. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 would be considered the best range for soil. A pH higher than 7.5 in the soil can harm the plant.

The ideal soil should have strong water retention capabilities while still being well-drained. The optimal conditions for banana growth are 100 inches or more of evenly distributed annual rainfall. If rainfall is insufficient or irregular, irrigation is required. The ideal temperature for the crop is between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius (86-86 °F). Since banana plants are typically vulnerable to wind damage, they should be planted in protected regions. Typhoon belts are not suitable locations for plantations. Full sun benefits plant growth. (1)

The Philippines has three different types of bananas: lowland, midland, and highland. The bananas develop sweeter and store more starch, the sugar’s primary source, in the fruit the higher the orchard’s elevation. Bananas are grown in the chilly highlands of the Philippines and often take 5-8 months to reach maturity on trees, 1.5 times longer than other types of crops. The delicious and nutritious Philippine Cavendish banana highland variety is grown 750 ft (228.6 m) above sea level. This product has a fruit flavor that is creamier, sweeter, and extremely divine smelling. Clay soils have a high fertility level and are well-drained, making them ideal for growing bananas. Since they are rich in organic matter and fertile, alluvial soils are ideal for growing bananas.

Land Preparation in Banana Cultivation

The fields need to be twice plowed and once harrowed. There must be no bushes or stumps. Each planting hole is fertilized with 10 grams of complete fertilizer and a few granular nematodes after being dug to a depth of knee-deep and with a diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft).

The construction of adequately high beds or mounds and proper engineering (land slope) for water drainage should be done in locations prone to damp or flooded soil conditions. Most of the root system will be above the saturated soil layer thanks to the beds, and the ditches between the beds should be properly sloped to allow for the drainage of extra water from the land. (3)

A banana plantation could exist for a very long time. However, for maximum yields, usually, the plantation must be dug up after seven to ten years.

After choosing the best location to plant bananas, the farmer needs to prepare the soil accordingly.

1. Clear and clean up the ground
2. The field must be plowed twice in both directions.
3. Till well the land and remove unnecessary rocks or debris and leave the land to be dried by a sun enough to kill pests and diseases that inhabited the soil
4. Add organic matter such as compost or manure one or two months before planting.
5. Bananas grow best when planted at a depth of 30 centimeters (12 inches).
6. Typically, a pit measuring 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm (1.5 ft) is needed. Sand-peat moss mixture and topsoil from the surrounding area can be used to fill the planting hole.

To grow bananas properly, you need irrigation and adequate soil quality. Rainwater or water from a well can be used for irrigation, but in both cases, the water supply must be dependable to prevent dry spells that harm the crop bananas.

For the best development and fruit production, banana plants should typically be placed in full sunlight. However, banana plants can survive some light shade. Choose an area of the terrain that is generally free from other trees, structures, buildings, and power lines.

References

1. http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_banana.htm#SOIL%20TYPES%20and%20LOCATION
2. https://nhb.gov.in/pdf/fruits/banana/ban012.pdf
3. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG040

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