Growth, nutrient uptake of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L) as affected by fertilizer types and rates in Ogbomoso Nigeria

Result showed that fertilizer type and rate significantly at (P=0.05) influenced the growth parameters, nutrient uptake and recovery efficiency of plantain. The plants treated with 300kg N/ha gave the highest plant height (43.00cm), number of leaves (8.67) while control gave the least values. It was observed that 60kg P205/ha recorded the highest plant height (44.67cm), number of leaves (9.67) while control gave the least values. The application of 225 kg K2O/ha gave the highest plant height (45.33cm), number of leaves (8.33) while control gave the least values. It was also observed that plant treated with 400 kg N, 60 kg P205 and 300 kg K2O/ha recorded the highest N (204.30, 175.10 and 69.90%), P(51.70, 417.20 and 18.10%), K(12.00, 10.10 and 535.30%), Ca(87.07, 79.54 and 30.33%) Mg(10.31, 13.94 and 8.90%) Fe(10.05, 16.61 and 8.25%) and Zn(10.79, 17.73 and%) content respectively while control gave the least values. In conclusion, the applied fertilizer type and rate significantly enhances the growth and nutrient uptake of plantain. The optimum performance of plantain was obtained at 300 kg N, 60 kg P205 and 225 kg K2O/ha, hence these rates can be recommended for the optimum production of plantain in the study area.