See all banana nutrition advice

Yara agronomist advice on bananas

Browse the complete list of all banana articles to learn how crop nutrition affects banana yield, quality and more.

How to increase banana yield

The highest banana yields are obtained on freely drained soils where water is not limiting.

How to influence bunch weight in banana production

Applied nitrogen is used for dry matter production and yield, including bunch weight in banana.

How to increase number of hands per banana bunch

Nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and calsium influences number of hands.

How to influence banana fruit length and diameter

Potassium is important for the transfer of carbohydrates from the leaf to the fruit, improving pulp content and fruit size.

How to improve banana quality

Bananas are popular, convenient, energy boosting snacks providing high levels of Vitamin A, C and B6. Flavor, texture, and ease of peeling are all important characteristics for the consumer.

Influencing Starch and Sugar Levels in Banana

How to influence starch and sugar levels of bananas

Potassium is the most abundant nutrient in banana fruit cells and is important for respiration, photosynthesis and water regulation, as well as transportation and accumulation of sugars in the plant.

Influencing the TSS and Sugar/Acid Ration in Bananas

How to influence TSS and sugar/acid ratio in bananas

Nitrogen influences fruit quality, improving sweetness by increasing the level of Total Soluble Solids (TSS), sugars and the TSS/Acid ratio.

How to improve banana health

Maintenance of a good green leaf area through pest and disease control, the use of shelters and careful husbandry ensures maximum productivity and fruit fill.

How to prevent peel disorder on bananas

The relative concentration of calcium within the peel, compared to the fruit is higher than with other nutrients.

Agronomic principles in banana production

Bananas require moist and warm growing conditions.

Application strategies for bananas

Application strategies need to take into account the significant nutrient losses that occur, particularly in tropical plantations, as a result of leaching and volatilization.

Banana types

There are over 1000 types of banana, which are subdivided into 50 groups of varieties.

Market Requirements

Plantations aim to produce large bunches of premium-grade bananas with a long ‘green-life’ potential.

Micronutrients in Banana

Balanced micronutrition is important in the banana crop and applications need to take into account complete crop needs at any stage of development. Critical leaf tissue values are given below.

Nutritional summary for bananas

Bananas have a very high nutrient demand – more so than most other crops.

Role of nutrients by banana growth stages

Find out which nutrients are most important at different growth stages.

Salinity and mulching in banana production

High salt levels in the soil or irrigation water cause plant stress resulting in marginal leaf chlorosis, stunted growth and thin, deformed fruit.

Soil and leaf tissue analysis in banana production

Soil testing can be used to assess pH, organic matter content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), thereby indicating nutrient availability and the nutrient retention characteristics of the soil.