Spacing and Stand Management in Banana and Plantain

Optimized Spacing, Maximum Yield

This technology involves carefully arranging and managing the spacing of banana and plantain plants to maximize yield. It considers factors like variety type, climatic conditions, and soil fertility levels. Different planting systems can be used, including square, triangular, single row, paired row, and contour systems. Herbicide application and "earthing-up" of the stem base may be necessary, especially in windy areas.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•9

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 9/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Under 18: Positive high

Women: Positive high

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: A bit less carbon released

Environmental health: Moderately improves environmental health

Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility

Water use: A bit less water used

Problem

Uneven Growth and Delayed Maturity: Higher plant densities lead to excess competition for light, nutrients, and water, resulting in uneven growth and delayed maturity.
Excessive Weed Competition: Lower plant densities may lead to excess weed competition, posing a challenge for plant growth.
Accumulation of Pests and Diseases: Over time, unmanaged stands can accumulate pests and diseases, requiring proper rotation of plantation areas.
Increased Labor Requirements for Stand Management: Denser plant arrangements lead to higher labor requirements for managing the stand effectively.
Variability in Bunch Size and Yields: Inadequate spacing can lead to variations in bunch sizes and overall yields of banana and plantain plants.
Vulnerability to Wind Damage: Insufficient protection from wind can lead to potential damage to the plants.

Solution

Uniform Growth and Reduced Labor: Proper spacing ensures that plants receive adequate access to light, nutrients, and water, promoting more even and uniform growth.
Optimized Yield: Well-spaced plants are more likely to reach their full potential in terms of yield, resulting in higher overall production. For example, Dwarf Cavendish, a widespread dessert variety, is planted at densities of 2500 to 4400 plants per ha and can provide as much as 100 t/ha/year.
Reduced Competition for Resources: Adequate spacing minimizes competition among plants for essential resources like light, nutrients, and water, leading to healthier and more productive stands.
Wind Protection: Planting in square blocks, made possible by proper spacing, provides mutual protection against wind, reducing the risk of wind-related damage.
Improved Sunlight Exposure: Straight rows on flat fields and following contour lines on slopes maximize sunlight exposure, which is crucial for photosynthesis and plant growth.
Weed Management: Proper spacing allows for effective weed control, reducing the competition between weeds and the cultivated plants. With proper spacing and residue management, it is possible to establish plantation understories that are virtually weed-free.
Pest and Disease Management: The need to rotate plantation areas over time due to the accumulation of pests and diseases is considered, with a typical stand area of 8 to 10 years before rotation is needed.

Key points to design your project

The Spacing and Stand Management technology in Banana and Plantain farming has several beneficial effects. Both small-scale and commercial producers can benefit. This technology positively impacts the climate by increasing water use efficiency and reducing irrigation water by 30-40%. It also results in higher nutrient uptake from fertilizers up to 25% more than at low density. This technology supportsSDG1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by optimizing yield, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing water and nutrient efficiency.

For a government project in Africa to successfully adopt the Spacing and Stand Management technology in Banana and Plantain farming, the following steps could be taken:

Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local farmers, agricultural extension workers, and community leaders to understand their needs and challenges.
Training and Capacity Building: Provide training to farmers on the technology. This includes understanding the concept of spacing and stand management, benefits, factors influencing optimal spacing, and maintenance.
Demonstration Plots: Establish demonstration plots to practically show the benefits of the technology. This can serve as a learning site for farmers.
Support Services: Provide support services such as access to advices, quality planting materials, fertilizers, and other inputs.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the adoption process, make necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing support to farmers.

As for the costs associated with training, it would depend on various factors, including the duration and complexity of the training, the number of participants, and the location. It's recommended to reach out to the provider or a local agricultural extension service for specific information.

100 t/ha/year

Dwarf Cavendish planted at 2500 to 4400 plants per ha

IP

Open source / open access

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Benin	–Not tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	–Not tested	Adopted
Burundi	–Not tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–Not tested	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	–Not tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–Not tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–Not tested	Adopted
Ghana	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–Not tested	Adopted
Malawi	–Not tested	Adopted
Mali	–Not tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–Not tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–Not tested	Adopted
Somalia	–Not tested	Adopted
South Sudan	–Not tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–Not tested	Adopted
Togo	–Not tested	Adopted
Uganda	–Not tested	Adopted
Zambia	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–	–	–	–
Semiarid	–	–	–	–
Subhumid		–
Humid		–

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 13: climate action

Plant Density and Spacing: Adjust plant density based on variety and farmer expectations. For example, dwarf varieties should be planted at densities of 2 m x 2 m or less, while larger varieties may be planted at 3 m x 3 m, forming 1,111 mats per ha.
Weed Control: Implement proper spacing practices using different planting systems. Consider a square system with 2 x 2 m or 3 x 3 m spacing. For early weed control, use contact herbicides like glyphosate.
Pest and Disease Management: Rotate plantation areas every 8 to 10 years to disrupt the cycles of pests and diseases.
Labor Management: Optimize spacing to balance labor demands. Avoid excessively dense plantings that require more labor. Implement proper spacing and stand management techniques.
Optimizing Bunch Size and Yields: Follow recommended spacing based on variety and environmental conditions. Ensure plants receive adequate resources for consistent bunch sizes and yields. For instance, plant Dwarf Cavendish varieties at densities of 2500 to 4400 plants per ha.
Wind Protection: Plant in square blocks to provide mutual wind protection. This minimizes the adverse effects of wind on plants.