Banana Peel as Alternative Fertilizer

Banana peels are effective insect repellents (Haider 2013; Hulbert 2014). Because of the

sodium in it, it also helps your plants move nutrients and water between cells. They contain not

only potassium and sodium, but also calcium, which allows plants to take up more nitrogen;

sulfur and magnesium, which are required for the formation of chlorophyll; and manganese,

which aids in photosynthesis. It provides the nutrients that plants require to thrive when used in

the garden.

Banana fruits are grown in almost every country around the world, particularly in tropical

and subtropical regions where they have been consistently growing and thus have made a

significant contribution to the economies of those regions (Zhang et al. 2005). Nonetheless, a

single banana plant's waste can account for up to 80% of the plant's total mass. According to

Shah et al. (2005), 220 tons of by-products are generated per hectare per year, necessitating an

innovative approach to converting these readily available resources into value-added

commodities. Without a doubt, large amounts of fruit peel waste accumulate on a daily basis in

both the domestic and industrial sectors. Individuals frequently discarded these peels as waste.

To ensure that the environment is free of pollutants, it's one of the most significant issues that

needs to be addressed properly, especially at the industrial level (Jariwala and Syed, 2016). Fruit

peels contain macro- and micronutrients that are vital for plant growth (Ibrahim et al., 2016).

Bananas contain a lot of potassium and pectin, as is common knowledge. Magnesium,

vitamin C, and vitamin B6 can also be obtained from it (Jessie Szalay, 2014). Banana peels can

also be used as a fertilizer for plants and are a good source of potassium. Particularly, the

nutrients found in its peels—sulfur, calcium, salt, and, of course, manganese—help plants begin
the photosynthesis process. In plain English, banana peels provide a variety of nutrients that

enhance plant growth and productivity, keeping your plants healthy (Kristi Stone, 2015). Your

plants won't wilt if they contain these kinds of nutrients. Accordingly, you can perform a Do-It-

Yourself (DIY) project by putting a banana peel in a jar with water and transferring it to a spray

bottle. Then, you can simply spray the banana peel on the soil so that plants can absorb its

nutrients. As an improved fertilizer, you can create fermented banana peels, granulated banana

peels, or chopped banana peels (Kavili Sridhar, 2016).

Similar to this, according to Maat Van Uitert (2015), fermented banana peels, banana

peel tea, powdered banana peels, dried banana peels, or banana peel vinegar can all enhance the

fertilizing effects of banana peels. Placing banana peels under the plant will also deter insects

and pests like aphids. Banana peels can be used to fertilize your potted plants because they

contain nutrients (like potassium) that are known to be beneficial, according to Shala Munroe. In

addition, since the smell of banana peels attracts bees, fruit flies, and other flies and insects, you

can create a homemade insect trap using banana peels and water. Furthermore, according to

Janice Taylor (2014), there are numerous creative uses for leftover banana peels. Compost and

fertilizers are two of its uses, but it can also be used to clean houseplants, polish shoes, clean

silver, enhance one's complexion, and even remove warts.

 Reference

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