Biochar produced from pyrolysis of organic materials has been found to improve plant growth by improving the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil as well as enhancing the sequestration of carbon dioxide that would release into the atmosphere through the decomposition of organic residues. However, there is scanty information on the methods used to apply biochar in order to optimize the benefits of biochar use for agricultural production. In view of this, a field study was carried out at the experimental field of CSIR – Soil Research Institute, Kumasi, to assess the effect of method of biochar application on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in a moderately acidic sandy Ferric Acrisol. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments imposed were as follows: control, broadcasting, spot and ring methods of application. The parameters assessed included growth and yield data as well as nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in shoots and grains. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat 12th edition. The results showed that the spot and ring methods of application significantly enhanced height, girth, nodule number and dry weight, shoot biomass and grain yield as well as nitrogen and phosphorus contents in shoots and grains when compared with the broadcasting method and control. This study therefore recommends the spot and ring methods of biochar application for adoption in cowpea production for enhanced growth, yield and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake.
Low soil fertility is a major problem limiting peri-urban vegetable production in the Kumasi metropolis. This study was conducted to assess the effects of poultry litter biochar (PLB) and NPK fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and the yield of cabbage. Twelve treatments (control, 100% NPK, 50% NPK, 2.5 t ha−1 PLB, 2.5 t ha−1 PLB + 50% NPK, 2.5 t ha−1 PLB + 100% NPK, 5 t ha−1 PLB, 5 t ha−1 PLB + 50% NPK, 5 t ha−1 PLB + 100% NPK, 7.5 t ha−1 PLB, 7.5 t ha−1 PLB + 50% NPK, and 7.5 t ha−1 PLB + 100% NPK) were evaluated under field conditions in a randomized block design with three replications. Combined application of PLB and NPK fertilizer improved the soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of cabbage relative to the control and sole PLB treatments. Application of 5 t ha−1 PLB + 50% NPK increased the soil pH, soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity by 26.6, 41.4, 296, and 78.7%, respectively, relative to the control. Moreover, 5 t ha−1 PLB + 50% NPK increased the cabbage yield by 73% compared with the control. This study concludes that PLB and NPK fertilizers can be applied to improve the soil chemical properties and yield of cabbage.
Standard tools of forestry economics are used to provide Les outils courants d'Cconomie forestikre sont utilisCs afin de insights into the effects of an experimental improvement cut, designed visualiser les effets d'une coupe exptiknentale d'amBlioration concue to release understory white pine and initiate a shelterwood syspour libkrer le sous-&age de pin blanc et amorcer un systkme de tem. The economic criterion is to harvest when the present valcoupe progressive. Le critkre Cconomique retenu consiste 2 ued net benefits from forest stands are highest. This study shows effectuer la rkcolte lorsque la valeur actuelle des bCnCfices nets that the improvement cut increased the present value of net ben~s des peuplements forestiers est maximale. L'Ctude indique que efits Per hectare of treated stands compared to control stands. The 1, coupe d'amklioration a augment6 la valeur actuelle des bCnkresults are highly sensitive to interest rates applied. The success tices nets par hectare de peuplement trait6 lorsque comparke of the treatment is due in part to the fact that the bulk of the costs am peuplements tbmohs. L~~ r6sultats sent &s susceptibles d'Etre are not until the 55th y e a of the stands' lifespan, and hence influenc6s par les taux d'int&i$t utilids. Le succks du triteare discounted significantly when total benefits are tallied. ment dCpend partiellement du fait que la majeure partie des cofits ne seront pas appliquCs avant que le peuplement n'atteigne Key words: white pine release, pine mixed wood management 55 , , , et qu,en consCquence ils sent minimisCs de facon signiforest economics ficative lorsque que les bCn6fices totaux sont comptabilisCs.Mots cl6s: dkgagement du pin blanc, amknagement des pinkdes mClangCes, Cconomie forestikre
With the current global concern of high concentration of Green House Gases in the atmosphere and the current struggle to ensure food security for the growing population in Africa within this climate change scenario, biochar amendment to soils is gaining acceptance as an important management option for carbon sequestration, soil productivity and fertility improvement and climate change mitigation. This study was to investigate the effect of biochar on maize yield indices on selected farmers' fields (40 farmers) in the Northern and Upper East Regions of Ghana. The biochar was produced from two feedstock, i.e. rice husk and sorghum. The test crop used was maize where biochar was applied alone and in combination with inorganic fertiliser. The treatments used for this studies were absolute control (No amendment), two tonnes of sorghum biochar, two tonnes of rice husk biochar, full rate of NPK (90:60:60), full rate of NPK with two tonnes of sorghum biochar and full rate of NPK with two tonnes of rice husk biochar. The results showed that biochar in combination
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