Abstract
Two field trials were conducted in the northern coastal plain of Israel to compare: (a) three levels of chicken manure (30, 45 and 60 m3/ha per year) with three levels of farmyard manure (60, 90 and 120 m3 per year); and (b) increased rate of N, K, N+ K and KNO3. Since no response in yields was obtained it was concluded that cv. 'Williams Hybrid' does not require increased amounts of fertilizer or manure, compared with cv. 'Dwarf Cavendish'. Only when earlier flowering is required is it advisable to increase the rates of both N and K, or to supply 60 m3/ha of farmyard manure. Tissue analyses showed that chicken manure is superior to farmyard manure as a source of phos-phorus. Sampling the seventh leaf petiole seems to be preferable to the third leaf blade as a sampling organ for ascertaining the K, Ca, Mg and P levels of the banana sucker.
