5 Reasons Why Banana Peels Make Good Fertilisers

Banana peels are more than just waste; they are a treasure trove of nutrients, offering a sustainable and effortless solution to plant fertilisation. Packed with elements like potassium, calcium, and iron, these peels play a crucial role in various plant processes, from photosynthesis to disease resistance. In this article, we delve into the science behind using banana peels as a natural fertiliser and explore how this eco-friendly practice contributes to both plant health and environmental conservation.

Ever heard of the use of banana peels as natural fertilizer to plants? There’s science behind it and this sustainable solution won’t take much effort to do.

Known for their potassium content, bananas has essential nutrients (yes, not just one!) plants need. Banana peels, in particular, contain concentrations of potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, bromine, manganese, strontium, niobium and zirconium.

1. Potassium and Photosynthesis

Potassium in dried banana peels are at 42% compared with the 0.5% potassium content in manure and 12% in cantaloupe rinds. Potassium is an important nutrient for plants as it has a role in photosynthesis. It regulates carbon dioxide uptake as it controls stomatal opening. For the plant to feed itself, the leaves’ stomata must be open to absorb carbon dioxide.  It must also be open to allow excess oxygen to exit so that the plant gets to transpire and cool itself.

Plants with potassium deficiency or potash deficiency will show curling of leaf tips, yellowing between leaf veins and brown scorching on tips.

2. Potassium and Plant Osmoregulation

The large amount of potassium in banana peels also plays a significant role in control of water in plant cells. A potassium-starved plant will signal its mobile potassium ions to nurture the new/young leaves first to ensure it receives the right amount of water. This means that the old leaves will starve and will eventually die in order for the new leaves to continue to grow. Potassium drives cellular expansion which affects plant growth and it also affects how the roots absorb water. Declining potassium can inhibit root growth. Studies have shown that potassium-starved plants have significantly lower root-elongation rates.

3. Banana Peels for Strong Stems

Banana peels can act as a stem-strengthening fertiliser. Potassium is a mineral that influences turgor pressure or the thickness and uprightness of a stem. Potassium plays a role in the movement of water within the plant and this movement puts pressure on cell walls causing them to swell and maintain a rigid structure.

The calcium in banana peels is a nutrient for cell walls that encourages the growth of stem points and root development.

4. Potassium and Disease Resistance

Potassium is considered as the most effective nutrient in regulating enzyme activity which impacts the plant’s mechanical barrier to invasion and infection. With the right amount of potassium in plant, there will be no restricted movement of nutrients, waters and sugars around the plant. This implies a healthier, less stressed plant and such good health increases a plant’s resistance to diseases.

5. Balanced Slow-Release Fertiliser

Banana peels are 100% organic slow-release fertiliser. Because they take time to decompose, they also slowly disperse nutrients ideal for encouraging a more uniform plant growth. As a slow-release fertiliser, banana peels get to feed plants for a longer period of time, lasting 6 to 8 weeks. The extended release of nutrients also put less stress on the plant.

Banana peels serve as a remarkable natural fertiliser, providing a myriad of essential nutrients that facilitate various plant functions, from stem strengthening to disease resistance. The slow-release nature of these peels ensures sustained nutrition, promoting uniform growth and reducing plant stress. By adopting banana peels as a DIY fertiliser, we not only nourish our plants but also embrace a sustainable lifestyle, contributing to the zero-waste movement and fostering a healthier environment.