Page 31 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

pH ranges for banana production are 20 - 30 C and 6.0- 7.5, respectively. Banana
o
plants are susceptible to strong winds, which can tear their leaves and cause them
to fall over. Therefore, it’s essential to protect them by setting up windbreaks.
Apart from that, the area should be accessible for easy transportation of banana
produce.
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Activity 2.2

Through the library, internet searches or inquiries from agricultural experts
perform the following tasks:

(a) Identify the main varieties of bananas grown in your community;
(b) Find the information on the agro-ecological conditions of your geographical
location;
(c) Comment on the suitability of your agro-ecological conditions for the
production of banana; then,
(d) Summarise your observations, including lessons learned in your portfolio.

Land preparation

Before planting, clear bushes and weeds, then deeply cultivate the soil by
ploughing and harrowing. The recommended tillage depth is between 30 to 60
cm. After land preparation, prepare planting holes. A 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
planting hole is recommended, but in dry and semi-arid areas, use 90 cm x 90 cm
x 90 cm holes. Measure and mark the locations for planting holes according to the
following spacing: short varieties: 3 m x 3 m (1112 plants/ha), medium varieties:
3 m x 4 m (833 plants/ha), tall varieties: 4 m x 4 m (625 plants/ha). Dig holes by
separating topsoil (25 cm) from subsoil. Mix topsoil with manure or compost (20
kg per hole) and 200 g of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP). Add this mixture to the
hole first, followed by sub-soil to improve soil fertility and structure. Allow it to
settle for at least two weeks before planting/transplanting.

Planting /transplanting

Planting/transplanting a banana plant involves selecting healthy and vigorous
planting material before planting or transplanting it into the field.

Selection/preparation of a planting material
Banana is a vegetatively propagated crop; therefore, the planting materials

Student’s Book Form Two 23

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 23 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 23