Effect of Water Table Level on Yield and Root System of Plantains

Abstract

Plantains produced 5,650, 25,550, 37,800 and 32,260 kg/ha when the water table of a Mollisol was maintained at depths of 12, 24, 36 and 48 cm, respectively. Roots in the upper 15 cm of soil were not affected by depth of the water table. Lowering the water table from 12 to 48 cm increased roots at the 15 to 30 cm depth from 232 to 646 cm/1,000 cm³ of soil, and at the 30 to 45 cm depth from 92 to 498 cm/1,000 cm³
of soil.