Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Banana develops deep root system to trap water and nutrients from the lower profile of soil.
Statement II: Depth and drainage are therefore important factors while selecting soil for Banana
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

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Monocots like bananas always develop adventitious, shallow root systems. Because they are shallow-rooted but highly demanding of water and nutrients, they require deep, fertile, and well-drained soils to perform well.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Banana (Musa spp.) is a giant herbaceous monocotyledonous plant.
Its root system determines its water absorption capacity, anchorage, nutrient uptake, and susceptibility to soil-borne stresses.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate both statements:
Statement I Analysis: Banana does not have a deep taproot system.
As a monocot, it produces adventitious roots from its underground corm.
The majority of these feeder roots are concentrated in the top $30 - 45\text{ cm}$ of the soil profile, making it a shallow-rooted plant rather than a deep-rooted one. Thus, Statement I is incorrect.
Statement II Analysis: Despite being shallow-rooted, the banana plant is highly sensitive to waterlogging, which can cause root rot and wilt diseases.
It also supports a heavy pseudostem and large canopy, which requires strong anchorage and constant water supply.
Therefore, a deep, fertile, well-drained soil (at least $1\text{ meter}$ deep) is highly critical to allow healthy root distribution and prevent water stagnation. Thus, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Since Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct, the correct choice is (D).
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