author(s)
Suresh Kumar Dhania, Rajesh lather and Alisha Rani

abstract
\"Bananas (Musa\r\nspp.) are a globally significant fruit crop, crucial for food security, income,\r\nand nutrition, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates. Their rapid\r\nbiomass accumulation and shallow root system necessitate considerable nutrient\r\nuptake, especially nitrogen and potassium. Historically, synthetic fertilizers\r\nhave been the primary method for banana cultivation. While effective, their\r\nprolonged use raises environmental and economic concerns. Consequently, there\'s\r\na growing shift towards sustainable practices, with organic fertilizers gaining\r\nprominence as a feasible alternative. Organic nutrient sources, including\r\nvermicompost, farmyard manure, poultry manure, neem cake, and wood ash, have\r\nbeen documented to substantially improve vegetative growth, fruit yield, and\r\nquality in bananas. These organic amendments improve soil structure, stimulate\r\nmicrobial activity, and enhance nutrient availability, thereby fostering\r\nhealthier plant development. Furthermore, biofertilizers such as Azospirillum,\r\nphosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and\r\nTrichoderma play a role in nutrient cycling, disease resistance, and stress\r\ntolerance. Integrated organic approaches, such as combining composts with\r\nbio-inoculants and natural preparations like jeevamrutha, have demonstrated\r\nimprovements in key physiological traits and reduced crop cycles, while also\r\nenhancing parameters like bunch weight, fruit size, total soluble solids (TSS),\r\nand pulp-to-peel ratio. These findings underscore the potential of organic\r\nfertilizers in promoting sustainable banana cultivation without compromising\r\nyield or quality. Nevertheless, further research is required to optimize\r\nformulations and application methods for different banana varieties and\r\nspecific agro-climatic conditions.\"