Drip-Mediated Deficit Irrigation and Sub-Optimal Fertigation Management Strategy can Boost Yield, Soil Nutrient Availability, Plant Utilization and Soil Organic Carbon in Banana Plantation

Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) is an excellent major perennial fruit crop with high economic, nutritional, and ecological values, which requires smart water and nutrient management to boost productivity. Water shortage and chemical fertilizer constraints inhibit the growth and yield of banana crop. Efficient water and nutrient-saving drip-based irrigation and fertigation technology can solve both issues. A field trial was conducted in silty clay soil to evaluate the performance of drip-mediated deficit irrigation and sub-optimal fertigation on banana yield, soil macronutrient availability and plant uptake, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. The experiment comprising drip-applied deficit irrigation with three levels viz. 50