Banana farming is an ancient and widespread practice that has gained popularity among most Kenyan farmers due to its market availability, profitability, and ability to meet a wide range of needs. It is also used as a raw material for a variety of other products. Banana plants grow quickly when they are young, making them heavy feeders and necessitating a lot of fertilizer to help them develop.
Below are the two best fertilizers for banana plants in Kenya:
1. NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) Fertilizer
NPK is a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; this is the recommended fertilizer for banana trees to enable them to thrive the whole season.
5 Reasons Why NPK is the Best Fertilizer for Bananas in Kenya
1. NPK Fertilizer Carry Out Various Plant Processes
Nitrogen is a key component in carrying out various plant processes by allowing chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis in the banana plant.
2. NPK Fertilizer has a compound that allows storage and energy use in plants
The nitrogen in the NPK fertilizer is a significant component of amino acids, the basis of protein. Additionally, it aids in the compound that allows the use and storage of energy.
3. NPK Fertilizer has Phosphorous that is Essential in Banana Plant
The NPK fertilizer has phosphorous that encourages the growth of banana roots, promotes blooming, and is essential in the DNA of the banana plant.
4. NPK Fertilizer Contributes to Bananas Quality
NPK has phosphorous that plays a role in the banana’s health and growth and contributes to structural strength, seed production, and thus the overall crop quality.
5. NPK has Potassium that Helps to Define the Characteristics of the Banana Growth
NPK has potassium that helps in the growth and development associated with quality, such as the size, shape, color, and taste of the banana fruits.
2. Organic Compost Manure
Compost manure is made from animal waste, plant leaves, kitchen refuse, and other decomposable synthetic materials. Compost manure is highly rich in organic matter and humus.
Reasons Why Compost Manure is the Best Fertilizer for Bananas in Kenya
1. Compost Manure is Rich in Nitrogen that Flourishes the Banana Plant
Compost manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, nutrient elements that help the banana plant flourish.
2. Compost Manure Returns essential nutrients to the Soil
The compost manure returns essential macro-element such as magnesium, sulphur, manganese, and calcium to the soil while maintaining soil fertility
3. Composite Stabilizes the Soil pH
Compost manure helps in reducing soil acidity, thereby stabilizing the soil pH.
4. Composite Manure prevents Top Soil from Erosion
The composite manure layer of mulch prevents rainwater from carrying away the top soil, provides shade to plant roots, and keeps the soil moisture for a long time during the dry seasons.
Fertilizer Application Schedule in Bananas
The banana plant requires a lot of nutrients, especially early; therefore, fertilizer is regularly needed. Apply 250g of NPK fertilizer to each banana stool every six months.
Fertilizer Ratio for Banana Plants in Kenya
The bananas recommended fertilizer ratio is 8:10:8 of NPK chemical fertilizer at the early stage of fertilization, and it’s done every month because it helps in the root development of the banana tree.
Do’s and Don’ts when Applying Fertilizer on Bananas plants
i. Do not allow the fertilizer to come into contact with the banana trunks.
ii. Ensure you spread the fertilizer evenly around the banana trunk.
iii. Always apply fertilizer once during warm weather.
iv. Avoid using concentrated fertilizer formulas on leaves and stems to avoid fertilizer burn
v. Reduce the amount of fertilizer by half from fall to winter once the banana has fruited.
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