The impact of biochar amendment to bush sitao productivity

Abstract

Biochar is a pyrolysis-produced charcoal used as soil amedment that enhances soil physical properties, nutrient availability and promotes the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms needed to improve crop production. In terms of yield, the effects of biochar from different sources of biomass [T2-corn cobs, T3-sawdust, T4-mudpress and T5-rice hull] as soil alteration on bush sitao (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) were assessed. In a field experiment laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the effect of biochar forms on the growth and yield of bush sitao was investigated. Bush sitao with biochar showed important plant height results at 30 and 45 days following planting (33.47a and 50.77a centimetres), number of effective root nodules (60a), length of pods in centimeter (24.45a centimeters), number of pods (17.80a), weight of pods in grams (191.35a grams) and pod yield (6.123a kilograms). Results showed that biochar amendment has direct effect on bush sitao productivity but the effects depend on the type of biochar. The results suggest that researches on biochar should be widely explored particularly on its long-term application as soil amendment and its effect on the productivity of other crops.