Ameliorating Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Morphological Characteristics of Soybean (Glycine Max L. Merr.) Through Banana Stem Extract as Bioinput

The growing demand for soybeans in the food and feed sectors in the Philippines faces significant challenges due to reliance on imports, leading to persistently low domestic production, making marketing the produce a problem for farmers. Compounding this issue is the increasing accumulation of agricultural waste, particularly from the banana industry, which contributes to global warming. Addressing these challenges presents an opportunity to utilize this waste as an alternative nutrient source for sustainable agricultural practices. Our field study addresses these pressing issues by transforming banana pseudostems, a significant waste product, into effective foliar fertilizer. The study evaluated the influence of varying levels of banana stem extract (BSE) on the agronomic, yield performance, and the soil chemical properties when applied to soybean cultivation. There were five treatments (T₀ (0% BSE), T₁ (3% BSE), T₂ (6% BSE), T₃ (9% BSE), and T₄ (12% BSE)) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that banana stem extract significantly affected soybean’s plant height during its 60^th and 75^th days after sowing, whereas number of pods and number of filled pods were influenced by the T₂ (6% BSE), T₃ (9% BSE), and T₄ (12% BSE) with a significantly comparable result. The yield (t ha^-1) components also revealed a significant difference among treatments, with the application of T₃ (9% BSE). Future research should focus on the phytochemical properties of BSE, evaluating its effects on not only soybean but also other crops and exploring its potential as a natural biopesticide and fertilizer. Controlled laboratory evaluations and field trials will provide essential insights into maximizing BSE's benefits and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.