LOCALLY PRODUCED CO-COMPOSTED BIOCHAR ENHANCES NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY AND MAIZE GROWTH IN LOW-FERTILITY SOILS: A FIELD STUDY

Abstract

Recent biochar use has garnered attention as a possible sustainable agriculture method. By improving plant nutrient availability, biochar boosts agricultural output. Independent farmers are discouraged from buying the product due to its high price. Biochar has been tested with fertilisers and organic manures to ensure its economic sustainability. In infertile soils, co composted biochar (COMBI) affects phosphorus (P) availability. Our work evaluates maize plant phosphorus absorption in soil following co-composted biochar application. A carefully organised randomised complete block design (RCBD) experiment was used to do this. Each 1m2 plot in the experimental field was randomly allocated one of six treatments: a) control, b) compost, c) ash, d) biochar, e) poultry litter, and f) COMBI. Each patch received 1kg of soil amendments. The study collected, dried, and analysed maize plant parts above ground for 60 days. Similar to the treatments, soil samples were taken for analysis. This study found that COMBI boosted plant growth, biomass, and nutrient absorption, including nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. COMBI also increased soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels. The research demonstrated that COMBI is a highly promising soil amendment that enhances the availability of phosphorus in low-fertility soil and promotes increased phosphorus absorption by plants.