Page No NPK MANAGEMENT FOR BANANA CULTIVATION IN DISTRICT HYDERABAD

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1 Page No LSIJ, Vol. 2, No.2, April 2008 NPK MANAGEMENT FOR BANANA CULTIVATION IN DISTRICT HYDERABAD BY S.A ABRO, K.S MEMON, F.C OAD, I. RAJPAR, A. LASHARI AND M.H SIDDIQUI Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan ABSTRACT Field survey of nutrient management and analysis of index tissue of plant and associated soils could be useful tool in identifying nutritional problems. This study was therefore conducted to determine the NPK status of banana through soil and plant analysis. Twentyfour dwarf Cavendish banana plantations {cv. Basrai} were selected at random in banana growing areas of District Hyderabad. Plant and soil samples were secured from each site during the months of May to August. Crop management information viz. fertilizer and managing practices yield levels etc was noted for each sampling site. The samples were analysed for their [N, P] contents. The data were compared with established critical levels to diagnose N, P, K nutritional status of banana. Attempt was also made to determine the relationship between plant content of N, P K and their concentrations in associated soils. The quantity of fertilizer nutrients used annually by banana farmers ranged form Kg N [av. =427kg N, 58 to 682 kg P 2O 5 [av. =217 kg P 2O 5] kg ha- 1 per year. Manure application rates ranged form 0-33tha -1 [av. =9 t ha -1 and banana yield form 6to 44 t/ha -1 [av. =26tha - 1 ]. The soils supporting banana plantation were medium to heavy in texture, non-saline [EC =0.17to0.86 ds/m] with ph 7.2 to 8.1.organic matter, available P, 2.9 to 40.3mg/kg respectively. Plant analytical data showed that leaf N, P contents ranged from 2.04 to 3.56%N, to 0.267%P. Nutrient levels were above the critical level of 2.6% N at all the sites except tow sites which were deficient in N only, in case of P, 45% of the sites were below the cortical level of 0.2% P. The relationship between surface soil P and leaf Contents was highly significant [R =0.52] at 5%. The result for this study reveled that leaf analysis [3 rd leaf from top] could be use to indicate N,P nutritional status of banana further research work is suggested to confirm these results and add to the reliability of leaf analysis as diagnostic tool for identifying N, P deficiencies in banana. KEYWORDS: NPK management, Banana, balanced nutrition, Hyderabad, Sindh INTRODUCTION Banana is an important fruit and food crop of tropics and sub tropics throughout the world. Due to its fine taste and high nutritive value remains in great demand through out year. In Sindh Pakistan ( ) it was grown on about 30 thousand hectares with thousand tons of produce. Sindh is the leading banana growing region in Pakistan as 87% plantation is grown in Sindh with 90% of total produce. That is why Sindh is called the garden of banana. Banana production levels are related to better crop management fertilizer and varieties grown. In survey by (Memon,1996) the average yield of banana in district Hyderabad is 30.3 tons ha ; while a well managed crop should produce a around 60 to 70 tons ha -1 (Bukhari, et al. 1996). Low yield may be attributed to poor crop management and improper nutrition (Pandey, 2005). Generally banana growers use niotrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer neglecting the use of potash fertilizer. Farm yard manure is commonly used by growers in Hyderabad banana growers use 427kg N 230kg P 2O 5 and 27 K 2O while the recommended dose in high quantities, need better management. Potash a key element in low banana nutrition is used in low quantity. 666

2 Nutritional surveys play an important role in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities that can affect crop growth and result in low yield. To deal with nutrition problems and to determine the role of management practices, soil and plant analysis is rather accurate, reliable and quantitative approach diagnoses nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. It becomes a useful tool in diagnosing nutritional disorders and help in crop management decisions. This study was therefore conducted for the following objectives. 1. Obtain quantitative data on the use of mineral fertilizers, and fruit production levels in banana.2. Assess N, P and K contents of banana through analysis of index tissue and soil.3. Evaluate nutritional status of banana by comparing the analytical data with the established critical levels for soil and crop. 4. Determine the relationship between plant and soil content of NPK in banana. The word Banana came from Arabic word banan means fingers and it is the only fruit which grows pointing upwards and also considered as the world s largest herb (Swennen, 1995). Banana, Musa Cavendish, belongs to the family Musaceae, is major fruit crop of considerable importance in the developing countries. Banana originated from seed bearing relatives in south-east Asia and the Pacific (Anonymous, 2005). It is consumed both as an energy yielding food and as a dessert (Stover and Simmonds, 1997). Fruit is nourishing, does not contain fat, and can be eaten at every hour of the day because of its digestive properties. The banana holds 23% of hydrocarbonate for 0.2% of fat. The cholesterol level is 0%, 100 grams of banana has as low calories as a 100 grams of yoghurt with fruit. The banana is full of proteins and the sugar, gives a lot of energy to those practicing sports requiring endurance. Moreover, it contains magnesium, selenium, iron, a lot of vitamins, and is recommended for salt-free diets because of its low contents in sodium chloridium. For a quick replacement of the sinking energy level after a day's hard work, there is no better snack than a banana. According to the latest research findings that banana which contains three natural sugars, sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber (Seckinkomal, 2004). Banana is cultivated in almost all parts of Pakistan, but it thrives best under the climatic conditions of Sindh province. Out of total acreage of banana thousand hectares in Pakistan, Sindh province contributed a dominating share of thousand hectares during the year (GOP, 2006). Sindh is the leading banana growing region in Pakistan as 87% plantation is grown in Sindh with 90% of total produce, and known as garden of banana. Banana production levels are related to better crop management in relation to fertilizer and varieties grown (Memon, 1996). Average yield in Hyderabad district of Sindh is 30.3 tons ha -1 while a well managed crop should produce around 60 to 70 tons ha -1. Low yield may be attributed to poor crop management and improper nutrition (Pandey, 2005). Generally banana growers use nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer neglecting the use of potash fertilizer. Farm yard manure is commonly used by growers in Hyderabad. Banana growers use 427 kg N, 230 kg P 2O 5 and 27 K 2O on average, while the recommended dose in high quantities, and need better management, while, Potash being a key element in banana nutrition, is used in low quantity. Nutritional surveys play an important role in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities that can affect crop growth and result in low yield. To deal with nutrition problems and to determine the role of management practices, soil and plant analysis is rather accurate, reliable and quantitative approach diagnoses nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. It becomes a useful tool in diagnosing nutritional disorders and help in crop management decisions. This study was, therefore, conducted with the objectives to obtain quantitative data on the use of mineral fertilizers, and fruit production levels in banana, to assess N, P and K contents of banana through analysis of index tissue and soil, to evaluate nutritional status of banana by comparing the analytical data with the established critical levels for soil and crop and finally to determine the relationship between plant and soil content of NPK in banana. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of fertilizer management practices and NPK nutrition of banana plantations of district Hyderabad was conducted in collaboration with Engro chemical Pvt. Ltd. At the time of sampling crop management information as grower s name, variety, age of plant, fertilizers and manure application and production was noted. 667

3 A total of 24 plant samples and 48 soil samples at two depths (0-15 and cm) were collected from different randomly selected banana fields and 3 rd leaf from the top 10 cm wide strip of leaf blade in center of leaf was chosen. Sample processing and analysis After cleaning and keeping in separate buckets, plant samples were dried in oven at 70 o C, ground in Wiley mill, stored in plastic bags for analysis. Total nitrogen was determined by Keelhaul method, while phosphorus was determined with 10ml of 1:5 HCLO 4: HNO 3 mixture on spectrophotometer. The samples digested for phosphorous were analyzed for K by Eel flame photometer. Soil sampling Composite soil sampling of two depths of two depths was obtained by 10 cores of given depth to samples from each banana field. Samples taken were air dried, crushed, sieved through 2 mm sieve, kept in plastic bags for physico-chemical properties. Soil texture Soil texture was determined by the Bouyoucous hydrometer method, ph and EC of 1:5 soil water extract by ph meter and EC meter respectively. Organic matter was determined by Walkley Black Method. NPK Status A nutritional status of banana with respect to N, P and K was evaluated by comparing the analytical data with the established critical levels for plant [banana] and soils. If analytical values were lower than the critical level for any of the three nutrients, banana was considered to be deficient in that nutrient. Relationship between plant content of N, P and K and their concentration in soil was determined by calculating the coefficient of correlation. Banana management information and the visual observation about each site were used to explain the situations associated with low and nutritional disorders in banana. The data thus collected were subjected to statistical analysis to assess the deviation in samples over the average values for comparison with the critical levels. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Majority of the plantations [69%] were up to 10 acres. It was common practice of growers to use fertilizers and generally urea and DAP were used followed by SSP and SOP. The use of potash fertilizer was least common and only 5 of the 24 growers used SOP. The quantity of fertilizer varied greatly and ranged 1-13 bags including 0-10 bags urea, 0-4 bags DAP, 0-5 bags SOP/acre/year. On conversion these were kg N, kg P 2O 5 and 0-30 kg K 2O. On average growers used 427 kg N, 217 kg P 2O 5 and 9 kg K 2O ha -1 (Table-1). Table-1: Fertilizer/manuring practices and consequent yield of banana in Hyderabad district Fertilizer application N kg ha -1 P kg ha -1 K kg ha -1 Manure tons ha -1 Yield to ton ha -1 Minimum Maximum Average % growers 100% 41% 21% 42% - * Summary of the randomly selected 24 sites. In case of phosphatic fertilizers, it was observed that 41% of banana growers applied P rates below the recommended annual rate of 227 kg P 2O 5 ha -1. Excessive use of P was being practiced by 5% growers. Situation with regard to Potash fertilizer was rather disappointing, and 21% of the total banana growers used potash fertilizer, while banana requires higher quantities of K than N and P to fulfill its nutritional requirements. It was noted that the yield obtained by the banana growers used lesser quantities of fertilizers than recommended rates was remarkably less than those under higher fertilizer rates (Table-1). The yield achieved by the banana growers was in the range of 6-44 t ha -1, averaging 26t ha

4 It was further noted (Table-1) that manuring was common practice with banana growers and 42% of the total used manure. Interviews with farmers revealed that manuring was repeated every 2-3 years. It was noticed that manure application ranged from 0-33 tonsha -1 (333 mds/ acre) and averaged to 9 tons ha -1. Manure application rates were generally between kg ha - 1. Banana yield general information from various banana plantations of district Hyderabad revealed that yield varied from area to area and grower to grower with a range of 6 to 44 tons ha -1 averaged to 26.0 tons ha -1. In this study fertilizer rate did not show any significant relationship with yield performance. After all yield is the function of many variables which includes level of crop management, plant population, fertilization, manuaring and farming practices. Bhatti et al. (1996) viewed that in banana fruit production of t ha -1 can be achieved. Therefore, there was a great need to enhance crop yield by better crop management and appropriate fertilization practices. Imbalance and balanced use of fertilizers in banana by the growers of district Hyderabad The above graphical illustration perceived from the survey suggested that there is a wide gap between recommended NPK rates for banana plantation and the NPK rates in practice of the banana growers of the district. Physico-chemical properties of soil Electrical conductivity (EC) The data showed that majority (80%) of banana soils were either clay or loamy in texture. Particle size distribution of data revealed that clay contents ranged from 30 to 65%. It is evident that banana is grown on medium to heavy soils. Salt content of banana soils was low with EC values ranging from 0.17 (0-15cm) to 0.86 ds/m (cm) with average value of 0.31 and 0.32 ds/m at 0-15 and cm soil depths, respectively. EC values did not show great variability from one location to another. All the soils were alkaline in reaction ranging from and averaged to 7.6 for surface soils and 1.7 for subsoil. There was only one site with ph value above 8.0; all others had ph values between 7.2 and 8.0 (Table-2). Table-2: Electrical conductivity EC, ph and Organic matter content of the soil samples of secured from banana growing areas of district Hyderabad. Level Depth(cm) EC (ds/m) Ph Organic matter (%) Minimum Maximum Mean Std. dev Organic matter (OM) The results further indicated that organic matter content in surface soil (0-15cm) ranged from 0.5 to 1.30% and averaged to 0.76%. By comparison, the subsoil organic matter content was from 0.16 to 0.67% averaging 0.39% of the soils had OM levels between % (Table-2). Available P Available P (Olsen) content of surface soil was mg/kg with average value of 17.5 mg/kg. Data showed that 33% of surface soils contained <10.0 mg/kg Olsen P, 50% samples mg/kg and 17% sample had values exceeding 20.0mg/kg. Using an established criterion it was observed that 29% banana plantations had adequate-p (Table-3). 669

5 Table-3: Available P (Olsen) and exchangeable K (NH 4OAc) content of the soil samples secured from banana fields district Hyderabad Site No. Depth (cm) Available P mg kg -1 Exchangeable me/100g Minimum Maximum Mean Std dev Exchangeable K Exchangeable-K [NH 4OAC] content of soils raged from 0.43 to 1.15 me/100g soil averaging 0.66 me/100g. Unlike Olsen P, exchangeable-k did not vary with soil depth. It is evident that banana soils contained adequate K (>0.31me/100g). The research findings regarding physico-chemical properties of the surveyed soils are in concurrence with those of Maia et al. (2003) and Patel et al. (1997) with slight contradiction due to variation in ecology and crop management strategies. Plant Analysis Nitrogen Leaf N content ranged from 2.04%-3.56% with average value of 2.89%. 50 percent samples contained 3.0% N (Table-4). Comparison with the critical levels (Lahav, 1976) showed that at all with exception of two sites had leaf N above critical level. N application rates ranged from 80 to 783 kg ha -1 year. The application rates are below the recommended of 466 kg N (Bhatti et al.1996). Table-4: Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content (%) of leaf samples collected from banana fields in Hyderabad Site N% P% K% Minimum Maximum Mean Std. dev Critical level Phosphorous The leaf data indicated that P contents with average when compared with critical level [0.2%] and 11 of 24 sites were below the critical level. P deficient plants were associated with various sites and 45% growers were applying less P than recommended. Potash Leaf analysis showed that K content varied from 3.01 to 4.07 and averaged to 3.58%. Very few of the growers were applying K may be due to its high cost or lack of knowledge of its role in banana nutrition. Leaf K contents were compared with critical levels; none of the samples were below (3.00% Lahav, 1976). The majority of samples 71% were above critical level means the soil supply of K was adequate, despite the lack of K fertilizers. Banana requires high amounts of K to improve quality of fruit, besides increasing the banana production. There fore it is important to evaluate role K in banana through well managed K fertilizers experiment on banana. The results regarding the plant N, P and K status in banana fields of district Hyderabad, Sindh achieved in this study are well comparable with the results reported by a number of researchers from different parts of the world, such as: Patel et al. (1997) from India, Veloso et al. (2000), Martin (1980), Memon and Laghari (1996) from Pakistan and from India Arunugun and Manivanan (2002). They all have a consolidated agreement on the results of the present study in Hyderabad district of Pakistan. 670

6 Conclusions The study concludes with arguments that imbalanced use of fertilizer by banana growers led to low average banana yields; and balanced use of fertilizers, manuring and better crop management is essential to get potential production. Study also revealed that [3 rd leaf fro top] could be used to determine NPK status of banana. It is proposed that petiole and mid rib be included while sampling plant; effect of sampling and stage of crop growth be included in future. REFERENCES Anonymous History of Banana. National Geographic: ARC Institute for Tropical and Sub-tropical crops. Pp.1. Arumugum, S. and K. Manivanan Influence of split application of fertilizers on propagated banana, 50 (4/5): Bhatti, I. B. M., S. J. I. Bukhari, A. Hussain, and H. I.. Majidano Cultivation of banana Sindh Horticulture Research Institute, Mirpurkhas. p Gomez, K.A., and A.A. Gomez Statistics for Agricultural Research (2 nd. ed.). John Wiley and Sons, New York. GOP Economic Survey of Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, Economic Advisor s Wing, Finance Division, Islamabad. Lahav, E The effect of manure and fertilizer application on the nutrient content of the (William hybrid) banana sucker. Agricultural Res. Org., Israel. 65 : Maia, V.M., L.C. Solomao and V.H.A.Venegas Effects of Nitrogen Phosphorous and Potassium fertilizers on the accumulation of macronutrient and on the susceptibility of banana to mechanical damage, 50 (292): Martin, P. P La nutritional mineral du bananier dans le monde. Fruits. 35: , Memon, A. B., and N. H. Leghari Fertilizer use in banana. Jadeed Zaree Khojina (Banana number), 4 (3): 5. Memon. N Evaluation of macronutrient (N. P and K) status in banana plantations of district Hyderabad through plant analysis. M.Sc. Thesis, Dept. of Horticulture Sindh Agri. Univ., Tandojam. Pandey, V. K. and S. George Response of micro propagated banana on varying combinations of NP and K nutrition in soils of coastal Orrisa, Pp Patel, R. K., S. Agrawal and S.D. Pandey Effect of split application of NPK with varying levels of nitrogen and potassium bunch characters of banana, 47 (1/6): Seckinkomal Nutritional value of strained yoghurt produced by traditional method. Ege University, Tyrkey.59: Stover, R. H. B. and N.W. Simmonds Banana (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 468p. Swennen, R Plantain cultivation under West African conditions: A reference manual. International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. Amarin Printing Group Co. Ltd. Thailand. 24p. Veloso, C.A.C., E.A. Menezes, E.C. Brazil and A.B. Gazelfilho Nutritional status of different banana cultivars in eastern Brazil through leaf diagnosis, 22 (2):