Response of Banana "Williams Hybrid" to Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization

Field experiments were conducted at the National Institute for Promotion of Horticultural Exports (NIPHE) research farm during the period of 2001 to 2002 to determine the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels on growth parameters, earliness, nutrient uptake, yield and yield components of "William's hybrid" banana cultivar. Treatments included 5 N levels (0, 69, 138, 207 and 276g N/mat/year), 2 P levels (0 and 20 g P/mat/year) and 2 K levels (0 and 41 g K/mat/year) . The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Banana growth, yield and yield components were significantly increased by N and K application. The highest vegetative growth parameters, yield and yield components were obtained with the application of 207 g N/mat/year in combination with 41 g K/mat/year. Application of N in combination with K also resulted in a significant reduction in the period from plant-ing to shooting and from shooting to fruit maturation. The shortest number of days to shooting were obtained with the application of 276 g N/mat/year. Application of N, P and K also resulted in increased leaf N, P and K contents. Application of P alone or in combinations with N and K had no significant effects on growth or yield parameters