Nutrient Management Strategies for Guangdong

This study was initiated in 2002 at Sanshui and Zhongshan to track soil nutrient variability between and within fields, and to develop a sustainable soil fertility management plan for the region. Improved fertilization rates have consistently increased crop yields and quality for the past 4 years. In 2005, the objective of the study was to determine optimal fertilizer rates for different banana populations at different ratooning years.

The optimal plant population for the first ratoon banana crop was 1,920 plants/ha and balanced fertilization [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), BF] included 975-290-1,267 kg N-P₂O₅-K₂O/ha. This combination significantly increased yield by 5.3 t/ha (13.5%) and net income by US$4,350/ha (21.3%), compared to the farmers' fertilization practice (FP) of 860-57-950 kg/ha applied to 1,680 plants/ha. Soluble solids, soluble sugar, and vitamin C were improved under the enhanced fertilization scheme. The optimal banana population for the second ratoon year was 1,680 plants/ha under the same BF rate. Yield and net income were 1.4 t/ha and US$396/ha higher than FP.

In the demonstration trials, BF increased yield by 10.4 t/ha (+19.3%) and net income by US$2,979/ha. This new productivity is helping the local government develop a strong commercial banana base and is providing a good market opportunity. Guangdong-NMS-02