Synchronized fertilization based on crop nutrient uptake and fertilizer nutrient release characteristics increases nutrient use efficiency in banana

Proper fertilization plays a dual role in maintaining high banana yield while protecting the environment. This study investigates the effects of a fertilization scheme designed based on banana nutrient absorption characteristics and fertilizer nutrient release dynamics, aiming to improve nutrient use efficiency and yield while promoting the green and sustainable development of the banana industry. The experiment utilized Zhongjiao No. 9 as the test banana variety. Initially, the total nutrient accumulation in mature banana plants was measured, and a fertilizer formula (with optimized total nutrient amounts and proportions) was developed. Subsequently, the ratio of conventional fertilizer (providing readily available nutrients) to controlled-release fertilizer (providing time-released nutrients) was adjusted to align the nutrient release patterns of the fertilizer with the nutrient uptake patterns of banana plants, resulting in a synchronized fertilization. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of this fertilization scheme, focusing on plant growth, nutrient accumulation, and yield. The results demonstrated that, compared to conventional fertilizer treatment, the synchronized fertilization significantly increased nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O) accumulation by 8.66, 11.54, and 19.55%, respectively. nutrient use efficiency was also significantly enhanced, with improvements of 35.72, 94.85, and 29.41% for N, P₂O₅, and K₂O, respectively. Additionally, the fresh weight and dry weight of banana plants increased by 20.93 and 56.14%, respectively, while banana yield increased by 7.03%. These findings indicate that the synchronized fertilization, tailored to the nutrient absorption characteristics of banana plants and the release dynamics of fertilizers, significantly enhances nutrient utilization efficiency, improves plant nutrient status, and boosts yield. Therefore, this fertilization strategy represents an economically viable and environmentally sustainable solution, offering a promising approach for the green and sustainable development of the banana industry.