Effect of time and method of placement on fertilizer P uptake by Robusta banana

Influence of time and method of placement on the absorption of fertilizer P by Robusta banana was studied using 32P labelled superphosphate. Basal application at planting either as full or half dose resulted in quicker absorption of fertilizer P, meeting the P requirement during early stages of growth. Placement closer to the plant in a circular band between 25 and 50 cm radial distance at the 8th leaf stage, to meet the P requirement at flower initiation, resulted in much higher P derived from fertilizer in the leaves than placement away from the plant at 50 to 75 cm and 75 to 100 cm or side placement between 50 and 75 cm lateral distance. (author). 12 refs., 3 tabs