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Field experiment was conducted at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra) for three consecutive years (2008-2011) to study the nutrient availability, uptake and movement in vertisol under drip fertigation for banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv Grand naine. The drip fertigation @ 100, 80 and 60 per cent of recommended dose through water soluble fertilizers (WSF) applied in two schedules and results were compared with three control treatments. The drip fertigation @ 100 per cent recommended dose scheduled as per crop growth stages showed 46.22 per cent increase in yield (82.94 tonnes/ha). However, it was on par with 80% fertigation treatment (79 tonnes/ha) whereas, 60 per cent fertigation (Schedule as per crop growth stages) resulted into 40 per cent fertilizer saving and 24.5 per cent increase in yield over surface irrigation (57.40 tonnes/ha). The drip fertigation relatively improved the nutrients availability and uptake as compared to band placement of dry fertilizers. The study indicated that application of water soluble fertilizers through drip as per the growth stages proved superior as compared to uniform splits for periodical availability of nutrients, uptake and nutrient movement in soil than conventional fertilizers. The maximum movements of nutrients in vertisol were recorded for 100 and 80% fertigation using water soluble fertilizers. The N was moved up to 45 cm laterally and 60 cm vertically. P was moved up to 30 cm laterally and 40 cm vertically and K movement was up to 45 cm laterally and 60 cm vertically during the crop growth. The 100% fertigation, also registered higher economical parameters, however the difference with 80% fertigation was non significant.

Banana is well known to be extremely demanding for water and nutrients, and supplemental application of these resources are prerequisites for higher yield. The study was undertaken to assess the effects of fertigation through drip on the growth, yield, quality, and economics of banana during 2007–2009. The experiment also aimed to find out a suitable method of planting for banana under drip irrigation system. Twelve treatments comprising two fertilizer sources, three fertilizer levels, and two planting systems were attempted. These treatments were compared with surface method of irrigation using conventional fertilizers applied as farmers practice. The results revealed that among the various treatments, 100% dose of water-soluble RDNPK and planting spacing of 1.5 × 1.5 m with drip fertigation recorded better values for growth characteristics. Banana fruit yield was significantly higher in normal planting (82.86 t/ha) than paired row planting (75.75 t/ha). The fruit yield increased significantly in water-soluble fertilizers (81.01 t/ha) as compared with “nitrogen (N)” fertigation (77.59 t/ha) and it also increased significantly with an increase in fertilizer levels (100% fertigation), but high costs of these fertilizers lowered the B:C ratio and net returns as compared with fertigation using conventional fertilizers. The drip irrigation gave 3–14.5% increase in banana fruit yield and 52% water saving over surface irrigation. The quality of banana fruits was not affected significantly due to any of the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]