Physicochemical and Nutrient Release Characteristics of a Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer Produced from Degradable Solid Waste and Its Effect on Productivity of Banana

Physicochemical characterization and a 300-day soil incubation was conducted to study the effect of a thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF) produced from biowaste through rapid thermochemical processing technology on soil properties and nutrient release pattern at the Kerala Agricultural University, India. A field experiment to study the effect of TOF on the growth and yield of banana (Nendran) was conducted. The physicochemical properties of TOF were conforming to prescribed quality standards. The TOF imparted moderation of acidity, lower soluble salts and a steady and constant release pattern of organic carbon on incubation. Mineralized nitrogen dynamics was superior in TOF combined with Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, characterized by a 120-day cycle of net nitrogen mineralization on 10 days and a net immobilization on 20 days. Highest P mineralization was recorded at 150 days with a phase of total immobilization from 180 to 240 days. Mineralization and immobilization up to 60 days, marked by a steady release of potassium followed by a progressive mineralization up to 240 days was evident. The TOF based treatments proved to be superior in plant height, number of leaves, pseudostem girth, bunch yield and dry matter production in banana as compared to farmyard manure – based treatments.