Preparation of Biofertilizers from Banana Peels: Their Impact on Soil and Crop Enhancement

Nokuthula Khanyile (), Ndumiso Dlamini, Absalom Masenya, Nothando Clementine Madlala and Sabelo Shezi
Additional contact information
Nokuthula Khanyile: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Ndumiso Dlamini: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Absalom Masenya: School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Nothando Clementine Madlala: School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Sabelo Shezi: School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: Disposing of banana peels (BPs) as bio-organic waste is an environmental challenge. Rich in potassium, BPs are often discarded despite their agricultural value. Reports on the valorization of BP are increasing, but no review has focused on BP fertilizer preparation methods. This study aims to review and analyze these methods to guide researchers and agriculturists in optimizing BP utilization, promoting sustainable waste management, and effective agricultural practices. This review has uncovered significant findings. A composite of banana and orange peels emerged as the most favoured and widely used approach, closely followed by dried BPs. This study highlighted the substantial impact of fertilizer application methods such as top and basal dressing. Most of the results revealed that the peels significantly improved the growth parameters of various plants. However, for biochar, the plant height was insignificant between treatments, further emphasizing the importance of the application method used. Banana peels are a valuable resource for biofertilizer synthesis. The banana–orange peel composite exhibits outstanding fertilizer properties. More new studies should go beyond the seedling stage, especially to harvest. This would give more information on the performance and viability of BP fertilizers.

Keywords: fertilizers; banana peels; preparation methods; potassium; plant height (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/11/1894/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/11/1894/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:11:p:1894-:d:1506702

Access Statistics for this article

Agriculture is currently edited by Ms. Leda Xuan

More articles in Agriculture from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().