Spatial distribution of nutrients in banana leaves under the effect of liming

Correcting soil acidity is a key practice to enhance nutrient availability and improve crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating limestone into the soil compared to surface application on the nutrient content of banana leaves. The research was conducted in a banana orchard in the city of Cristino Castro, Piauí state, Brazil. The experimental area was divided using a statistical approach, with 42 georeferenced sampling points representing the replicates of two treatments. The area was split into two subareas, each one with 21 points, representing either limestone incorporation and surface application. Leaf samples were collected at each point to determine the concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Spatial variability was assessed through descriptive statistics and geostatistical analysis. Limestone incorporation increased the levels of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc in banana leaves, while potassium content was higher in the area with surface-applied limestone. Principal component analysis indicated that incorporating limestone into the soil led to greater nutrient distribution uniformity and reduced spatial variability in the leaves. This method improves both the availability and uniformity of nutrients in banana leaves, enhancing the nutritional status of the plants.