Comparison of Nutrient Concentration in Leaves of Healthy and Leaf Margin Affected Banana Gardens of Hiriyur Taluk, Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India

Banana leaves have been traditionally utilized in various parts of India for serving food, wrapping food items and for religious as well as cultural purposes. Despite their extensive use, there is limited scientific data available on the nutrient composition of banana leaves, particularly in the Hiriyur Taluk of Chitradurga District, Karnataka. This study aimed to analyse and compare the nutrient composition of banana leaves from healthy and margin-affected gardens in different locations. Samples of banana leaves were collected from Babbur Farm, Chillhalli, Venakalgudda, KC Roppa, Goguddu, Gudihalli, Biranhalli, Gounahalli, Vadadhalli, and Bagganadu Villages in Hiriyur Taluk. The leaves were analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients. The proximate analysis revealed that in margin-affected gardens, these nutrients were found to be in the ranges of 2.24-3.25%, 0.14-0.34%, 2.31-3.48%, 0.70-1.08% 0.35-0.58% and 0.24-0.41%, respectively, and in healthy gardens ranged from 2.86-3.26%, 0.31-0.53%, 2.86-3.49%, 0.87-1.08%, 0.45-0.56% and 0.30-0.36%, respectively. Micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B and Cl) content were also reported high in healthy banana gardens compared to leaf margin affected gardens. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the nutrient composition of banana leaves. The differences in nutrient composition observed among the banana gardens in Hiriyur Taluk could be attributed to various factors, including soil quality and different agricultural practices.