Optimizing Nutrient Management for Sustainable Papaya Production: A Review

Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a high-value tropical fruit crop with increasing global demand. Achieving optimal yield and fruit quality necessitates a balanced, efficient, and environmentally sustainable nutrient management approach. Due to its short juvenile phase, high productivity, and year-round availability, papaya has become an economically important fruit crop in both domestic and international markets. This review synthesises current knowledge on eco-friendly nutrient management strategies tailored for papaya cultivation. Key practices such as organic amendments, biofertilizers, foliar nutrition, biostimulant application, fertigation, integrated nutrient management (INM), mulching, and protected cultivation are critically examined for their efficacy in enhancing productivity and soil health. Conventional papaya cultivation often relies on  excessive chemical fertilizers leading to soil degradation, environmental pollution and reduced nutrient use efficiency. The review also highlights existing research gaps and outlines future directions to optimise nutrient use efficiency. This comprehensive analysis concludes that adopting these sustainable practices is crucial for developing resilient papaya production systems that ensure economic viability for growers while minimizing environmental footprints.