EFFECT OF HERP ON BANANA UNDER LOW AND HIGH SOIL P 73
Treatment 1. No. P 2. 100% HERP 3. 100% ERP 4. 100% TSP 5. 50% TSP 6. 50% TSP + 50% HERP 7. Cattle Manure (CM)
Description Control Recommended (Rec.) levels of P as HERP Rec. P as ERP Rec. P as TSP 50% Rec. P as TSP Rec. P as 50% TSP + 50% HERP P as CM (10kg/clump/6 month intervals)
The above treatments were tested in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replicates in each experimental field. The current fertilizer recommendation (N-150, P2O5-135 and K2O-350g/clump/ year) was used for this study with three split applications per year. However, N and K were applied at a rate 150% higher than recommended level to avoid any possible deficiencies. Planting space was 3m x 3m and number of plants per treatment was four. Composite soil samples were collected from each field and analyzed for pH, organic matter %, available P, exchangeable K and electrical conductivity before commencing the experiment. Random samples of HERP, ERP and cattle manure used for the experiment were also analyzed for available P. The composite soil samples collected from every treatment after harvesting the crop were analyzed for available P. The centre part of the fifth leaf (Walmsley and Twyford, 1968) was analyzed for leaf P content during vegetative phase for five crop cycles in every treatment. The experiment was carried out under rainfed conditions. Yield parameters were recorded after each crop and statistically analyzed. Treatment comparisons were made using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION General characteristics of the soils The soils at two adjacent experimental fields was classified as Reddish Brown Latosolic (Rhodudalts) soil and chemical analysis are presented in Table 1 together with analyses of HERP, ERP and CM used in this study. Table1. Some important chemical characteristics of soils at two adjacent fields and of P sources. Parameter Content Field A Field B CM HER ERP P pH (1:1) water Olsen P (mg kg-1) Exch. K (mg kg-1) Organic matter (%)
4.9 4.5 93.0 1.9
5.3 13.6 132.0 2.2
7.2