Exploiting organic waste and inorganic fertilizer for sustainable production of plantain (musa spp.) in Ghana

2017

English

This study assessed growth and yield of false horn plantain cultivar under inorganic NPK (216:150:600 kg/ha) fertilizer, and organic poultry manure (PM: 16,660 kg/ha) and cocoa pod husk (CPH: 16,660 kg/ha) treatment sat Mpobi and Kenyase in Ghana. Fertilizers were split applied under Randomized Complete Block Design. Combinations of NPK+PM (108:75:300+8,330 kg/ha) and NPK+CPH (108:75:300+8,330 kg/ha) were also evaluated. Fertilized plantain plants produced significantly (p<0.0001) taller plants with wider stem girth, more functional leaves and shorter days to flowering and maturity. Planting to flowering and maturity on fertilized soils were 17 – 71 and 18 – 56 days respectively shorter than control soils. Number of suckers produced at harvest by mother plants were significantly higher (p<0.0001) on treated soils. Number of bunches, fingers per hand, finger length and weight were significantly higher (p<0.0001) on treated soils. Total plantain yields recorded on fertilized soils exceeded non-fertilized soils by 2,000 – 8,089 kg (16% – 78%). Growth and yield obtained from inorganic and organic combinations (NPK+PM and NPK+CPH) were generally better than standalone NPK, PM or CPH. Among the three standalone fertilizers, PM recorded the best vegetative growth and yield parameters. In conclusion, plantain production is boosted by NPK, PM and CPH with the inorganic and organic combinations producing best growth and yield.

Mintah, P.; Frimpong-Anin, K.; Oppong, J.; Annor, B.