Ideal Conditions Required For Growing Banana
Climate required for growing banana Soil required for growing banana Spacing required fro growing banana Water requirement for growing banana
Suitable Climate
Bananas grow well in warm subtropical climate. Bananas need 12 hours of bright light and 50% humidity or higher. Ideal temperature is around 26-30 degree Celsius (78-86F) with RH of 75-85%. Growth begins at 18 degree Celsius and reaches optimal growth at 27 degree Celsius. Wind protection is advisable for best appearance and higher photosynthetic rate. Wind velocity exceeding 80 km / hr damages the leaf.
Soil Requirement
Bananas need well-drained soil with 40% clay, 75% silt, 85% loam. Low pH soil makes banana more susceptible to panama disease and prefer more acidic soil with pH between 6-7.5. Avoid nutritionally deficient and ill-drained soil, light sandy soil can be improved by placing mulch around the plant and can be improved by adding organic matter to the soil before your plant your bananas. Bananas don’t tolerate water logging because its roots will rot, however it can be resolved by planting them in raised beds.
Ideal Planting
Recommended spacing is at 2.0 x 2.5 meters with 2000 plants per hectare since that is the standard distance to minimize Sigatoka. Avoid marking and planting as you go because any oversight may lead to uneven spread of the bananas, best method to avoid this from happening is to use a long measuring tape. Dig holes with a foot in diameter and 10 – 12 inches deep and place plant in the hole keeping the pseudo-stem one inch below the ground level. Apply small amount of fertilizer into the hole to boost the growth of the plant.
Water Requirement
Drip irrigation coupled with application of mulch has proven to improve water efficiency with saving of 56% water and increase in yield by 20-30%. Bananas generally need 2000 – 2500 mm annually. Excessive water will cause the roots to rot.
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