Evaluating the Effects of Biochar and Organic Soil Amendments on Seedling Development of Annona muricata. Linn

Abstract

The importance of appropriate growth media for propagation of Annona muricata seedlings cannot be over emphasized. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar and organic soil amendments on seedling development of Annona muricata using different potting media. The treatments were Control; Topsoil only (T0), Mineralized goat dung (T1), Mineralized saw dust (T2), Mineralized poultry dropping (T3) and Mineralized biochar (T4). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Parameters accessed include seedling height (cm), collar diameter (cm) and number of leaves. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level. Result shows that Mineralized biochar had the best performance in seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves with mean values of 26.703±1.5488, 4867±0.22904 and 4.4451±1.55031 respectively. While the least performance in seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves was recorded in the control with mean values of 19.986±1.1265, 0.3230±0.17363 and 3.6765±1.14724 respectively. However, there were significant differences in seedling heights and collar diameter among the treatment types at 5% level of probability, but the number of leaves was not significant. Annona muricata seedlings thrives excellently in biochar potting media. Hence, the use of biochar potting media should be adopted as the best growth media for early growth and development of Annona muricata seedlings.

Biochar Improves Soil Fertility and Crop Performance: A Case Study of Nigeria

“…In Awka, Anambra State, Anozie et al [171] examined the influence of different growth media on the initial growth of Annona muricata L. seedlings. The study's findings indicated that goat dung, sawdust, and chicken droppings were followed by topsoil amended with biochar (BC) derived from Tectona grandis L.f., Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-LeComte er O'Rorke) Bail, and Gmelina arborea Roxb.…”

“…Studies on various crops such as Annona muricata [171], cowpea [176], sesame [177], okra [180], tomato [42], and ginger [187] demonstrated the positive effects of BC on growth and yield. These findings suggest that BC application benefits a wide range of crops, making it a versatile soil-amendment option.…”

“…This alarming lack of research focus on SLS is particularly concerning, given that this region predominantly features low-fertility sandy soils with meager yields for arable crops. Studies on various crops such as Annona muricata [171], cowpea [176], sesame [177], okra [180], tomato [42], and ginger [187] demonstrated the positive effects of BC on growth and yield. These findings suggest that BC application benefits a wide range of crops, making it a versatile soil-amendment option.…”

Avaliação Da Aplicação Do Resíduo Da Annona Muricata L. Como Inibidor De Corrosão Ecológico

“…Ainda segundo esses autores, a Annona muricata L. apresenta ainda atividade antiprotozoária, antioxidante, antiviral, anticâncer, antiúlcera, anti-inflamatória e hipotensora. Anozie et al (2023) descrevem a Annona muricata como uma planta de folhas brilhantes e robustas, apresentando flores grandes, sozinhas ou em grupo de até três flores. Santos et al (2023) ressaltam que a graviola, como a Annona muricata.…”

“…é conhecida, pertence à família Annonaceae, que, segundo Pinto & Silva (1995), compreende 75 gêneros e 600 espécies, das quais apenas Annona e mais três gêneros possuem frutos aptos ao consumo. Anozie et al (2023) ressaltam, no entanto, que essa espécie está classificada com risco de extinção devido a ação antrópica, pragas e doenças.…”