Physicochemical Characteristics of Nursery Media Formulated from Organic Wastes Influence Growth and Dry Matter Yield of Banana (Musa AA var. Pisang lilin) Plantlets

Abstract

Banana/plantain fruit waste (PFW), sawdust (SD), poultry manure (PM) and topsoil (TS) were utilized in the formulation of nursery media. Five nursery media including PFW:SD:PM (2:2:2), PFW:SD (3:3), SD:PM (3:3), TS:PM (3:3) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (1.5:1.5:1.5:1.5) were composted and compared alongside unamended topsoil (as control) on the growth and dry matter yield (DMY) of banana plantlets. The experiment was laid-out in a completely randomized design often replications. Physicochemical characterization of the media revealed variations in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter content and some micronutrients. Also, there were differences in porosity and bulk density of the media. Growth and DMY of banana plantlets tested in these media varied significantly (p < 0.05). Plantlets raised in PFW:SD:PM had the best growth. Whole-plant DMY was highest in TS:PM (26.4 g) and PFW:SD:PM (25.5 g), followed by SD:PM (18.6 g) and PFW:SD:TS:PM (18.1 g), whereas the poorest growth and DMY were recorded in plantlets raised in PFW:SD (9.4 g) and unamended topsoil (9.5 g). Dry matter partitioning pattern was similar in most media except the control plants that partitioned greater proportion of dry matter to underground plant components. Positive and significant relationships (re" 0.71) existed between plant growth parameters, organic matter and Mg contents of the media. Observed variability in growth and DMY was probably due to the variable physicochemical attributes of the nursery media. Results from the study support the use of soilless organic materials in nursery media formulations to conserve agricultural soils.