Information
Level 4 Data summaries and links to related documents and reports
Key findings
The results clearly demonstrate that careful fertiliser management can substantially reduce the rates of N and K fertiliser required. Bananas can be grown with as little as 100 kg N/ha for the plant crop and between 150 and 300 kg N/ha for ratoon crops. There was no clear advantage in yield or fruit quality due to K rates of more than 300 kg/ha. The direct result of these reduced rates will be reduced fertiliser costs, reduced environmental impact (N) and improved sustainability from the reduction in rates of soil acidification.
Soil analysis is a valuable farm management tool and should be undertaken to a depth of at least 60 cm prior to planting each crop. It should be used for assessing nitrate-N in the profile prior to planting and modifying N application.
Key tables and figures extracted from data, literature and miscellaneous publications
Refer to original report by Armour and Daniels (2002)