Philippine E-Journals

Banana Fertilization at the Plantation : Evaluation of Soil and Leaf Analysis Results

Ma. Asuncion L. Salibay | J.a. Salomez

 

Abstract:

Philippines is one of the world’s top five producing countries of bananas of which the bulk of production is concentrated in Davao region. Banana production, particularly Cavendish is declining due to pest and diseases as well as nutritional problem. The crop is heavy feeder and needs a lot of nutrients for its maximum production. However, despite of regular fertilization, the productivity of the crop is decreasing. The soil and leaf analysis results as a basis for fertilization of banana are evaluated in this study through correlation analysis to determine the effect of soil, leaf and fertilization level on the bunch weight. The study was conducted in Farming town Plantation Operation (FPO), one of the plantations of Lapanday Foods Corporations in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. The soils in FPO naturally contain high level of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Magnesium dominates the exchange complex of the soil which affects the availability of other nutrients particularly potassium and calcium. The ideal ratio of calcium, magnesium and potassium in the proportion of 6:3:1 for banana production was not achieved in the area and is difficult to achieve, as very high levels of Mg were found in the soil. The production of high yielding bananas in FPO was limited by excess amounts of Mg both in the soil and on the leaf. Although the concentration of most nutrients needed by banana are in adequate amounts, the presence of high Mg content caused a negative effect on the other nutrients as well as on the yield of the crop. The regular application of potassium and lime helped in adjusting the level of nutrients in the soil. However, the recommended rate of potassium and lime application should be generated with extra caution to ensure that the recommended rate will not have a negative effect on the bunch weight.