EFFECTS OF SOIL MANAGEMENT AND WATER REGIME ON BANANA GROWTH BETWEEN PLANTING AND FLOWERING. SIMULATION USING THE STICS MODEL
The adaptation of the model concerned the phasic development, and leaf and root growth. Some specific characteristics of the tropical environment were also introduced. The model points out that under irrigated conditions crop water requirements were always satisfied whatever the tillage depth. In that case, the difference in terms of leaf growth and yield between shallow and deep tillage treatments can be explained by the nitrogen deficit due to a poor root system. Rain-fed crops suffered from water shortage, but the increase in soil exploration, allowed by conventional tillage, compensated for the absence of irrigation.
This work improves knowledge of the agro-physiology of the banana crop. It demonstrates the fundamental part played by the root system, which appears as an important limiting factor for a correct water and nutrient supply. It provides an opportunity to elaborate a global model for the banana crop.
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1998.490.23
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1998.490.23