Banana plant waste composting through microbial inoculation and its performance in spinach

Abstract

Purpose: After harvesting bananas, the entire biomass of the plant, which contains nutrients as well as large amounts of organic carbon, is removed from the field. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to utilize this potential waste as a source of macro and micronutrients for plant growth and development. Method: Banana plant waste and vegetable waste composting were evaluated through microbial inoculation with bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa AMBCD-1 and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for about 45 days. Further the assessments of physicochemical properties of biodegraded compost were analyzed. A polybag experiment was also carried out to study the effect of biodegraded waste on the growth performance of spinach (Spinacia oleracae) using completely randomized design (CRD). Results: The results revealed an increasing concentration of nitrogen (1.73%), phosphorus (0.369%) and potassium (2.621%) in treatment T3 (banana plant waste + P. aeruginosa) which were significantly higher as compared to other treatments. Further, compost obtained after the degradation of banana plant waste was evaluated for the performance of spinach. The treatment T3 (banana plant waste + P. aeruginosa) exhibited significantly maximum plant height about 20.7 cm and increased concentrations of nitrogen (2.87%), phosphorus (0.3%) and chlorophyll (0.54 mg/g) in comparison to other treatments. Maximum root length was recorded in treatment T6 (banana plant waste + P. aeruginosa + vegetable waste). Conclusion: Moreover, microbial inoculation of bacteria P. aeruginosa AMBCD-1 represented an effective strain for fast degradation of banana plant waste which enhanced the growth parameters of spinach. Research Highlights • Composting is a practical method of recycling agricultural wastes for a healthy environment. • Banana residue is a rich source of nutrients; the farming community has given it their full attention. • Composting banana crop waste improves soil microbial life, increases organic matter, increases crop yields. • The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations of banana plant waste compost were higher when degraded with bacterial inoculation. • Banana waste can be a best substitute for inorganic K fertilizers.

Keywords

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Spinach
• Composting
• Banana plant waste