The uptake and distribution of mineral nutrients in the banana in response to supply of K, Mg and Mn

Abstract

The effects of differential K, Mg and Mn supply on the uptake and distribution of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Cu and Zn in the ‘Williams’ banana were examined over the three crop cycles. Plants were grown in sand culture in 1 m3 drainage lysimeters. In terms of total plant uptake the standard solutions used were balanced in respect of P, K and Ca, possibly low in Mg and high in Mn, Cu and Zn compared with field grown plants. K and Mg supply influenced total plant uptake of most elements similar to the way they influenced dry matter production. Exception were total plant uptake of Mg and Cu. High Mn supply depressed the uptake of Mg and Cu and increased the uptake of Mn sevenfold. Increase in K supply reduced the proportion of all nutrients, except K, retained in the roots and increased the proportion located in the fruit. A large proportion (20–36%) of N, P and K were located in the fruit, Ca, Mg and Mn accumulated in the trash (29–44%) and roots were high in Na, Cu and Zn (29–50%).