Valorization of Used Banana Plants into Useful Compost

Waste management is a significant concern that impacts our ecosystems and societal frameworks. Annually, more than 2 billion metric tons of unsustainable waste produced by human activities are discarded globally. In India, nearly 7000 million metric tons of organic materials are produced yearly. The study focuses on banana tree waste, a major contributor due to the extensive cultivation of bananas in southern states. Utilizing waste nutrients for crop production holds great significance in composting. The potential of composting as a sustainable solution is emphasized in the study, which discusses its microbiological principles, benefits, and various methods with a particular focus on windrow composting. The significance of the study is found in its potential to improve soil fertility, alleviate environmental pollution, and contribute to sustainable waste management practices in India. In the laboratory, compost piles were created using distinct proportions of banana tree waste, food waste, cow dung, and brown materials—the significance of composting lies in its ability to utilize waste nutrients for crop production. The paper particularly highlights the potential of banana waste as an organic fertilizer. The study indicates that increasing awareness among farmers about the benefits of using banana tree waste for enhancing soil fertility could aid in promoting sustainable waste management practices.