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adavirao
11-27-2016, 07:18 AM
Hello friends,
Hearty greetings from ICAR-CCARI, goa, India.
Banana is one of the components in our multi-species coconut based cropping system. After harvesting of banana bunch, we are chopping pseudostem and adding it into the field.
Presently, I am looking for information on analysis of banana pseudostem for its N P K and other mineral composition. Information about, how much nutrients can be recycled back into the field, if banana leaves and pseudostem are chopped and incorporated in to the field.
Looking forward to your response, if any,
with best

CraigSS
11-27-2016, 08:21 AM
I do not know. But Welcome to the Banana Group.:03:
Craig

sputinc7
11-27-2016, 08:29 AM
I know I have read they have lots of k, but I don't know for sure. I always cut mine up and put them around the base for the benefits. At the very least it should have the nutrients necessary to make the next pseudostem.

PR-Giants
11-27-2016, 08:43 AM
I feed them to millipedes.

Welcome to the org.:nanadrink:





Comparative study of characteristics of biocompost produced by
millipedes and earthworms (http://pelagiaresearchlibrary.com/advances-in-applied-science/vol2-iss3/AASR-2011-2-3-94-98.pdf)

ABSTRACT
Plant wastes can be degraded by millipedes (Arthropods of class Diplopoda) to produce compost called Milli-compost similar to Vermi-compost. A comparative study of composts produced with the help of millipedes / earthworm / without millipede and earthworm was undertaken. Physico-chemical parameters of composts were evaluated. It was found that contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were more in Milli-compost and Vermi-compost as compared to ordinary compost. Contents of nutrients in Milli-compost were more than Vermi-compost. Increase in water holding capacity and pore space between particles of Milli-compost and Vermi-compost and decrease in bulk density were also observed. Milli-compost production technology may prove to be beneficial for agriculture in near future.



Pelagia Research Library (http://pelagiaresearchlibrary.com/)

Snarkie
11-27-2016, 12:53 PM
Welcome aboard the Banana Express. :nanerwaveytrain:

Bananas themselves have a lot of K, so it would stand to reason the entire plant might have higher levels than normal, but that's just a guess.

a.hulva@coxinet.net
11-27-2016, 11:17 PM
I have been to Goa as well as Bangalore. You live in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. When I dig out my bananas I chop up all the leaves and stems and put them in the hole and cover with soil. It decays in a few months and it does wonders for the next plant. I'm not sure about the chemistry but I have read a reality good article shown below. You are on the right track.
Good luck, :03:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/15248659/

edwmax
11-28-2016, 09:51 AM
I think you would do better by having a soils analysis done in the spring to determine how much fertilizer is needed for the coming year. ... The nutrients provided by the banana mulch is not be available for server months or current growing season. Also, you have leaching and fertilizer losses to grasses and other plants. After doing the soils analysis for 2 or 3 years, you would then have a good idea of how 'YOUR' farming practices are working for you and the amount of fertilizer required each season.

... Then knowing the exact N,P,K composition of the banana stalk would not mater.

HMelendez
11-28-2016, 10:50 AM
Welcome to the banana gang!.....:bananarow: