Comparison of Biochar Derived from Slow Pyrolysis of Banana Peels and Bunch Stalks in Agricultural Soil Amendment

Abstract:

Soil degradation in agriculture represents a significant global challenge, primarily caused by nutrient depletion, erosion, and the loss of organic matter. A potential solution involves amending the soil to improve some properties that impact resistance to erosion, while also enhancing nutrient availability. Biochar has been widely used for soil amendment. This study evaluated the impact of biochar obtained from the slow pyrolysis of banana peels and banana stalks on some soil hydrophysical properties. The parameters assessed were: water retention in coarse-textured soils, swell-shrinkage characteristics in fine-textured soils. The experiment's findings indicated that banana peel biochar (BP) is slightly alkaline with a pH of 9.05. It was also rich in potassium (94.40 mg/kg) and phosphorus (15.20 mg/kg), with a relatively high carbon content (57.20%). In contrast, banana stalk biochar (BS) had a higher pH (9.50), lower carbon content (37.89%), and relatively lower levels of potassium (83.30 mg/kg) and phosphorus (12.80 mg/kg). The fibrous structure of the stalk resulted in a more porous biochar. While banana peel biochar provides immediate nutrients to plants, banana stalk biochar is better suited for moisture retention and long-term carbon storage. Both types of biochar improved water retention, particularly in coarse-textured soils. Notably, banana stalk biochar outperformed banana peel biochar regarding surface area, porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and moisture retention, enhancing the soil's water-holding capacity by up to 30%. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for sandy soils susceptible to water and nutrient leaching. Additionally, banana stalk biochar was more effective in mitigating swell-shrink behavior in fine-textured soils, contributing to greater aggregate stability and reduced volume fluctuations. Amending fine sand with 3% of either biochar type did not significantly enhance total porosity; however, there was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in volumetric water content at 0 kPa. The results indicated that BS10% retained the most water, with an R² value of 0.7599, followed by BP10% at 0.745, demonstrating that higher application rates of biochar correlate with improved water retention. The study also revealed a negative correlation between soil suction and water retention, indicating that as suction levels rise, the soil's ability to retain water decreases. This relationship is vital for agricultural practices, irrigation planning, and understanding soil hydrology. By leveraging these findings, farmers and land managers can optimize irrigation strategies, enhance crop yields, and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

• Periodical: Engineering Innovations (Volume 17)
• Pages: 1-17
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-4EHWUu
• Online since: February 2026
• Authors: Samuel Odiri Obakanure, Ebenezer Ayoola Agboola*, Badmus Alao Tayo, Oluwaseun Temitope Faloye, Ayodele Ebenezer Ajayi
• Keywords: Banana Bunch Stalks, Banana Peels, Biochar, Crop Yield, Pyrolysis, Soil Amendment

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