Effect of potassium-rich cement kiln flue dust and distillery effluent as substitute for potassium fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of “Ney Poovan” banana (Musa paradisiaca).

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-2002 with 'Ney Poovan' banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) in split-plot design with 3 replications, at the National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirapalli, to explore the possibility of utilizing locally available K-rich industrial wastes as a substitute for commercial K fertilizers. Potassium-rich industrial wastes like cement kiln flue dust and alcohol distillery effluent were applied in different combinations as main treatments with different levels of K like 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 % recommended K (300 g/plant). The treatment combinations cement kiln flue dust @ 0.5 kg/plant and distillery effluent @ 75 000 litres/ha with 60 % recommended K (as KCl) recorded the highest bunch weight of 13.59 kg, being 25.25 % more than that of 10.85 kg recorded at 100% recommended commercial K fertilizer alone. This treatment could meet nearly 40% of the requirement otherwise supplemented through potassic fertilizer.