In an investigation carried out at the Horticultural Research Station of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2012-13 and 2013-14 banana was tried along with 4 intercrops, Glyricidia maculeata leaf manure and polyethylene mulch to mitigate the effects of reducing soil quality and productivity and improve farm profitability. Green manuring crops in the banana plantation improved soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and available nutrients of the soil besides maintaining overall soil quality. The leguminous cowpea yielded highest total banana equivalent yield ( t ha-1 ) and fetched highest net return (Rs. 231723 ha-1 ) but horsegram achieved highest cost: benefit ratio due to its low cost of cultivation. | Conservation agriculture approaches in banana to improve soil quality and farm productivity
