FIELD TRIALS ON DWARF CAVENDISH BANANAS IN SOUTHERN MALAWI - PART II: FERTILIZERS AND MULCHING

Four fertilizer and one fertilizer and mulching trial on Kabuthu, a Dwarf Cavendish type banana, were conducted in the Thyolo Highlands to compare various levels of nitrogen, phosphate and potash and the effects of mulching and bare soil. Consistent responses on yield were obtained from potash fertilizers in the absence of mulch and from mulch in the absence of potash. The only significant effect of nitrogen was to increase number of bunches produced. Phosphatic fertilizers had no significant effects. The degree of Armillaria root rot damage was reduced by potash fertilization. Farmers are therefore advised to return all crop residues to the plantation and mulch with grass rather than apply artificial fertilizers.