Soil and root health for banana production

Abstract

The banana root and soil health project was established to promote a holistic view of soil physical, chemical and biological prope1iies in order to increase the sustainability of the Australian banana industry. The banana industry is situated in environmentally sensitive areas of Australia and must develop and demonstrate best practice production techniques.
The banana root and soil health project identified that there had been significant changes in soil prope1iies due to current or past farming practices. Seven key soil health indicators were identified to help banana farmers monitor changes in soil properties; banana root density, infiltration rate, soil density, pH, electrical conductivity and nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus levels. These indicators were relatively easy to measure, inexpensive and sensitive to changes in soil management practices.