A review on performance evaluation of drip irrigation system in banana cultivation

Abstract

Banana (Musa sp.) is the second most important fruit crop in India next to mango. Its year round availability, affordability, varietal range, taste, nutritive and medicinal value makes it the favorites fruit among all classes of people. This study attempts at reviewing the effect of drip irrigation in banana (Musa paradissica L). The total water requirement of banana plants is about 900-1200 mm for its entire life cycle and this can be met both through natural precipitation (rainfall) as well as supplementary irrigation. India is struggling with the challenges of water scarcity, including water for crops. Drip irrigation is introduced primarily to save water and increase the water use efficiency in agriculture. However, it also delivers many other economic and social benefits to the society. In this system water is applied drop by drop or by micro jet, on the soil surface or below it (sub-surface), at a rate lower than the infiltration of the soil. In this article, intensive research works regarding water management for banana has been reviewed and discussed so that a definite perception may be generated for the farmers as well as future researchers.