International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch

ISSN : 2456-8643

Evaluating The Feasibility Of Composting Banana Plant Waste

Authors: Hamisi Mohamed Kingongo* and Mlemza Idrisa Mlinga, Tanzania

Abstract:

The study based on composting banana peels together with leaves and stems using a wooden bin system. Six composting bins were utilized, each measuring 64 cm in length and 31 cm in width. Among of these, three bins were loaded with 6 kg of material each, while the remaining three held 9 kg, giving a combined total weight of 45 kg. Different mixture ratios of materials were applied across the bins: B-1 (0:0:1), B-2 (0:1:0), B-3 (1:0:0), B-4 (0.25:0.5:0.75), B-5 (0.5:0.75:0.25), and B-6 (0.5:0.25:0.75). Throughout the composting process, parameters including temperature, pH, moisture content, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio were monitored. The highest temperatures were recorded in B-5 (40 ºC) and B-6 (46 ºC), sufficient for eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens, thereby ensuring safe compost. Lower temperatures were observed in B-1 (37 ºC), B-2 (36 ºC), B-3 (37 ºC), and B-4 (36 ºC), which were inadequate for complete pathogen destruction. In terms of organic carbon, B-4 produced the highest value (42.91%), likely due to resistant organic compounds such as cellulose and lignin, while the lowest was in B-5 (36.52%). Nitrogen content peaked in B-2 (1.92%), possibly influenced by nitrogen-fixing microbial activity, whereas the lowest was recorded in B-6 (0.92%). The C:N ratio was highest in B-4 (43.8), again linked to unmanageable organic matter, while B-5 had the lowest ratio (19.4), falling within the recommended range (20:1) for mature compost. Moisture content ranged between 52% and 92%, with notable losses attributed to increased aeration that enhanced aerobic conditions. Overall, the study demonstrates that composting is an effective waste management strategy for organic residues, with bin B-5 producing the most balanced and mature compost suitable for use.