Effect of Varying Levels of Primary Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Nedu Nendran Variety of Banana under Open Precision Farming

Abstract— A field experiment was conducted at Banana Research Station, Kannara, Kerala Agricultural University during the 2023-24 cropping season to determine the optimum level of nutrients of fertigation doses for enhancing banana productivity and profitability. The experiment was arranged under open precision farming in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The investigation's results showed that different levels of macronutrients applied through drip fertigation significantly impacted the growth, development, yield, and quality of the banana crop. Nitrogen and potassium had different but complementary roles throughout the crop cycle. Nitrogen availability heavily influenced vegetative growth. Treatment T4 (150% N) had the highest pseudostem height, girth, number of functional leaves, and total leaf area. While this higher nitrogen application created a large vegetative framework, it did not lead to the highest economic yield. On the other hand, potassium application was the main factor for improving yield. Treatment T10 (150% K) had the best economic yield parameters, with a maximum bunch weight of 14.11 kg, 7.00 hands per bunch, 72.00 total fingers per bunch, and an individual finger weight of 162 g. This better yield came from potassium helping with optimal cell expansion and efficient movement of carbohydrates from the leaves to the fruit. In summary, when comparing different levels of primary nutrients, the most effective fertigation doses were 125% N, 100% P, and 150% K. This combination was the most productive and economically sound nutrient management strategy for commercial banana cultivation in the studied agro-climatic conditions.