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In-field banana pseudostem mulching

In-field pseudostem mulching is the practice of chopping and returning banana pseudostem, leaves and other field residues to the soil after harvest, either as a surface mulch or after composting. Research published in Indian and international journals shows that the harvested bunch and the standing residue contain comparable absolute amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so recycling residues offsets a large share of the nutrient export.

Principle

Banana plants accumulate large quantities of K, N and P in the pseudostem, peduncle and leaves. Burning or disposal of these residues removes that nutrient pool from the field and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, while composting or mulching cycles those nutrients back to subsequent plant and ratoon crops.

Implementation

After harvest, pseudostems are felled and chopped (manually or with motorised choppers) into 5-10 cm pieces, then either spread as mulch around the next plant crop or stacked in pits for aerobic composting, typically with cow dung and a microbial inoculum to accelerate decomposition. Compost matures in roughly two to three months. Mulched material decomposes in situ under tropical conditions and improves soil moisture retention.

Adoption context

Adoption is widespread in commercial banana belts of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, particularly under drip-irrigated G9 systems (Banana G9 Tissue Culture). Reports cited by extension agencies and research papers indicate fertilizer and water input savings of up to 50 percent in mulched plots, alongside improved soil structure and microbiome.

Limitations

Banana residues can harbour weevil and nematode life stages, so infested material is usually composted (rather than mulched directly) under sanitary conditions. The bulky nature of pseudostems and the labour required for chopping have driven demand for low-horsepower banana shredders in commercial belts.

See also: Banana G9 Tissue Culture, Banana Karpura Sugandham, Banana Staking Bamboo.

References

  1. Preparation of Banana Residue Based Compost and its Nutrient Analysis. ResearchGate.
  2. Chemical changes under aerobic composting and nutrient-supplying potential of banana residue compost. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, Cambridge University Press.