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Poultry manure (PM) has demonstrated its potential to enhance crop nutritional quality. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its synergistic effects when combined with wood biochar (B) on the nutrient concentrations in sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) and the mineral content stored in sweet potato storage roots. Hence, a two-year field trial was undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in southwestern Nigeria, spanning two locations (Owo—site A and Obasooto—site B), to jointly apply poultry manure and wood biochar as soil amendments aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potato crop. Each year, the experiment involved different combinations of poultry manure at rates of 0, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at rates of 0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1, organized in a 3 × 4 factorial layout. The results of the present study demonstrated that the individual application of poultry manure (PM), biochar (B), or their combination had a significant positive impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves and minerals stored in the sweet potato storage roots, with notable synergistic effects between poultry manure and biochar (PM × B) in enhancing these parameters. This highlights the potential of biochar to enhance the efficiency of poultry manure utilization and improve nutrient utilization from poultry manure. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30), resulted in the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition compared to other treatments at both sites. Averaged over two years, the highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30) significantly increased sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations: nitrogen by 88.2%, phosphorus by 416.7%, potassium by 123.8%, calcium by 927.3%, and magnesium by 333.3%, compared to those in the control (PM0 + B0). The same treatment increased the concentration of sweet potato root storage minerals: phosphorus by 152.5%, potassium by 77.4%, calcium by 205.5%, magnesium by 294.6%, iron by 268.4%, zinc by 228.6%, and sodium by 433.3%, compared to the control. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 yielded the highest economic profitability in terms of gross margin (44,034 US$ ha−1), net return (30,038 US$ ha−1) and return rate or value-to-cost ratio (VCR) (263). The results suggested that the application of poultry manure at 10 t ha−1 and biochar at 30 t ha−1 is economically profitable in the study areas and under similar agroecological zones and soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa, specifically Nigeria, has witnessed a dramatic increase in population over the last century, prompting efforts to ensure sustainable food production and quality. Concerns for soil sustainability and food security have led to the exploration of cost-effective methods, such as biochar, to enhance soil quality. Researchers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole have investigated biochar's potential to improve soil fertility and crop performance across various agroecological zones. This paper aims to review recent biochar research priorities on soil fertility and crop performance with an emphasis on various sole biochar applications and combinations with fertilizers to determine the research gaps that need to be developed more in biochar research in Nigeria. From the papers reviewed, sole biochar applications and biochar + macronutrients and biochar + manure combinations were studied more dominantly, while biochar + micronutrients research projects were scanty despite their low content in the semi-arid soils of Nigeria. The studies were spread across the country with the majority taking place in derived savanna and humid forest, while Sudan savanna and Sahel savanna received less research attention despite being characterized by a low-fertile soil and vast area of land. Research involving BC in the context of Sahel savanna (SLS) and Sudan savanna (SS) soils is strongly encouraged in Nigeria. This research should encompass a wide range of investigations, including sole BC applications and combinations of BC with macronutrients, micronutrients, and manure, as well as exploring its potential as a slow-release fertilizer. Incorporating exclusive biochar in substantial amounts appears economically unfeasible within the context of local biochar production. However, it can be utilized in the synthesis of slow-release fertilizers, requiring smaller quantities and potentially offering cost-effectiveness. This approach enhances soil condition and crop productivity. Challenges are faced due to less commercial production as a result of inadequate power and structural facilities. Exploring the modification of local biochar for slow-release fertilizers through future research offers potential profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry litter is a complex mixture comprising heavy metals feed scraps, antibiotics, water, feathers. Although treatment of these wastes has not currently received much attention in Nigeria, poultry litter is widely used as source of organic fertilizer for subsistence farming by rural and urban areas of the country. It is essential to effectively stabilize the organic waste because the continuous use of the poultry manure in agricultural activities poses great threat to the health of the soil environment due to heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Composting is an effective method for stabilizing organic manure toward reducing the heavy metals content. Hence, the present study determined the effect of biochar additives on heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria removal during composting of poultry litter (PL), vegetable waste (VW), and corn stalk (CS). To this end, three composting trials were set-up comprising control: PL (57.58%) þ CS (38.41%) þ VW (4.01%), TX: control þ 5% biochar, and TY: control þ 10% biochar. The composting pile was also spiked with heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and As) and their removal efficiencies were monitored. To enumerate the antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the compost, Nutrient agar was supplemented with antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. The outcome of the investigation showed that the highest reduction in total coliform from 3.68 to 1.06 log10 CFU g-1 was observed in TY. The addition of 10% biochar in TY also reduced the concentration of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in all the treatments to an undetectable limit compared to TX (5% biochar) and control (no biochar). The biochar-aided heavy metals removal followed a first-order path. With the exception of Cd removal where TX showed the best removal rate (k=0.1582), the TY resulted in best removal rates for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and As. The decreasing order of heavy metal removal rates from TY is as follows: Cu (k=0.2025) > Cr (k=0.1403) > Pb (k=0.1300) > Zn (k=0.1290), > As (k=0.090). Therefore, biochar additives during composting of poultry litter should be encouraged amongst the rural farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the suitability of different biomass feedstocks for biochar production and their effects on soil health and crop yield. Two planting seasons were conducted, involving cucumber as the test crop and eleven treatments combining biochar and poultry manure. Soil analysis revealed initial soil conditions with high sand content and low pH. Poultry manure and biochar exhibited pH, organic carbon, and nutrient level variations. Significant differences in cucumber growth and yield were observed, with the longest vine length in plots treated with palm kernel husk biochar and poultry manure. Residual effects in the second planting season displayed similar trends. Soil pH, organic carbon, and total nitrogen remained consistent between seasons, while available phosphorus increased significantly in plots amended with goat manure biochar and poultry manure. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium contents also varied. Fruit length, weight, and yield were significantly improved by biochar treatments, with the combination of palm kernel husk biochar and poultry manure yielding the highest fruit weight. Correlation and structural equation analyses (p < 0.05) highlighted the relationships between plant characteristics, soil properties, and fruit indices, emphasizing the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus in supporting fruit development. The study suggests that biochar application enhances soil nutrients, crop growth, and fruit yields while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. It recommends considering biochar for land reclamation and as an alternative to traditional fertilizers, supported by appropriate regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biochar as soil amendment is gaining acceptance as an important management strategy to tackle food insecurity for the growing population in Nigeria amid soil deterioration. This study examined the influence of biochar produced from the different agricultural wastes on soil chemical characteristics and growth of maize. A pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. The agricultural wastes used were rice husk, corn cob, poultry manure and pig dung. The agricultural wastes were charred differently for 60 minutes at the temperature of 250℃. The maize plant used for the experiment was Oba super II. The biochar was produced using modified biochar kiln and were applied to the soil at the rate of 10t ha-1. The treatments were replicated thrice. Soil amended with poultry manure charred for 60 minutes at 250oC (PMB60) had the highest significant growth (plant height) and yield (dry matter) parameters. Significant differences were observed among the biochar amendments with the soil chemical characteristics (pH, Available P, SOM, TN, Exchangeable base cations and CEC). However, the study reported that PMB60 gave the highest significant increase in almost all the soil chemical characteristics (soil pH(6.0), Avail. P(18.20mg kg-1), exchangeable Ca(5.8Cmol kg-1), Mg(3.97Cmol kg-1, K(0.32Cmol kg-1, Na(0.28Cmol kg-1) and CEC(10.75Cmol kg-1)) compared to the other biochar amendments. This study concluded that PMB60 was better suited to improve soil chemical characteristics while also improving maize performance compared to the other biochar amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Rice is a staple food in Nigeria, but its cultivation faces constraints of soil acidity, low soil fertility and rainfall variability. Research has shown that biochar has the potential to alleviate the effects of these conditions, but responses vary depending on soil and climate factors. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different application rates of rice husk biochar on upland rice growth and yield. Method Two field experiments were conducted within two years in Kwara State located in the southern Guinea savanna agroecological zone of Nigeria. Four biochar rates (0, 5, 15 and 25 t/ha) were used and replicated thrice in a randomised complete block design set up on three soils in three locations. Agronomic data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to quantify variations in treatment responses, followed by a separation of significantly different means using the least significant difference (LSD) at p≤ 0.05. Results Better growth was recorded in the first year compared to the second year. Percentage decreases of 9.4 and 11.4% were recorded in plant height (12 weeks after planting), and tiller productivity from the first to the second year, respectively. Biochar amendment significantly (p≤0.01) improved rice seedling emergence (34.6%) and seed weight (5.8%) relative to control. The highest grain yield of 5.24 t/ha was recorded under 15 t/ha biochar application rate compared to 2.37 t/ha under control. Conclusion The application rate of 15 t/ha increased rice yield by 55.0% relative to the control, whereas at 25 t/ha the rice growth and yield were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biochar as a soil amendment has been recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient strategy for restoring the fertility of the soil and increasing agricultural productivity. In this study, the impacts of Senna tora biochar treatments on soil properties and micronutrient availability in the farmlands of Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria, were investigated. A complete randomized design replicated three times, which included control soil (no biochar/0 day), 30 days, and 60 days of biochar treatments, was adapted based on the fact that incubation time affects biochar application in soil. After treatments, the biochar was removed and the soil samples from each treatment were analyzed for pH, soil bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC) and micronutrient levels using various analytical methods. The results of the analysis show pH, OC and CEC values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 6.66 to 7.89, 3.40 to 3.90 g/kg and 5.16 to 7.29 cmol/kg respectively, while BD decreased significantly from 1.56 to 1.48 g/cm³ after 60 days of biochar treatment. The levels of Mn, Cu and Zn increased from 188.25 to 286.12 mg/kg, 14.38 to 41.88 mg/kg and 68.63 to 140.19 mg/kg respectively, while levels of Fe decreased from 9460.00 to 4782.73 mg/kg after 60 days of biochar treatments. Application of Senna tora biochar has generally led to a significant improvement in the fertility of the soil. It is therefore recommended that Senna tora biochar be used in the field to demonstrate its practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil amendments and critical agronomic practices like biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) change soil characteristics and have a direct impact on soil sustainability and crop productivity. Hence, a two-year field trial was conducted in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria at two locations (Owo – site A and Obasooto – site B) to examine the impacts of different levels of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil physical and chemical qualities, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) growth, and yield. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial layout with three replicates. The treatments applied at two locations were: four levels of biochar (B) (0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 t ha−1) and three levels of poultry manure (PM) (0, 5.0 and 10.0 t ha−1). The biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) significantly (p =.05) improved both soil physical and chemical properties, sweet potato growth and yield with their rates of application when compared to the control. In comparison to Owo (site A), Obasooto (site B) had significantly higher sweet potato growth and yield, and better soil properties. Application of 30.0 t ha−1 biochar (B) and 10.0 t ha−1 poultry manure (PM) had the best sweet potato growth and yield parameters of all the biochar (B) combined with poultry manure (PM) treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy has catalyzed global efforts toward greener economies and sustainable development. In this study, we investigated palm kernel shell (PKS) biomass obtained from a palm oil mill in Omu-Aran, Nigeria (Latitude 8°08ʹ18.85ʺN and Longitude 5°06ʹ9.36ʺE) as a potential feedstock for biochar production. The biomass underwent pretreatment and sieving into particle size ranges of 0.1-0.2 mm, 0.2-0.4 mm, 0.4-0.6 mm, 0.6-0.8 mm, and 0.8-1.0 mm, and was stored in zip-locked polyethylene bags at room temperature for subsequent characterization and pyrolysis experiments. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the operating parameters of pyrolysis. The maximum biochar yield (41.1 wt%) was achieved under optimal conditions: temperature of 320℃, reaction time of 6.5 min, heating rate of 12.8℃/min, nitrogen flow rate of 25 cm³/min, and particle size of 0.9 mm. The model exhibited a p-value of 0.05, a high F-value for biochar (340.5), and an R² of 0.9887, signifying its appropriateness, reliability, responsiveness, and accurate prediction of experimental data. A strong correlation between actual and predicted values for biochar yield was observed. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of alcohol groups, as evidenced by peaks at 3906.3, 3809.3, 3749.7, 3649.7, 3678.9, and 3600.6 cm⁻¹, as well as alkynes and alkenes, indicated by high-intensity peaks at 2113.4 and 1904.4 cm⁻¹. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses of the biochar showed white deposits, cleavages, heterogeneous pores, and cloudy formations, indicating inorganic materials and rapid efflorescence during pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential nutrient concentrations in edible portions of crops can affect human health. Hence, field experiments were carried out for two growing seasons (2019 and 2020) at two degraded sites using a randomized complete block design in a factorial layout with three replications to evaluate the effects of biochar (B), poultry manure (PM), and their combined application on leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato. Each year, the experiment consisted of 4 × 3 factorial combinations of biochar (0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1) and poultry manure (0, 5.0 and 10.0 t ha−1). The results showed that the sole application of B and PM and their combined application, improved sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato storage roots. In both years, there were significant interactions of B and PM (B × PM) on leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato that were determined, indicating the potential of B in enhancing PM use efficiency and improving better use of the nutrients in the PM. It was found that the highest dosage of combination of 30.0 t ha−1 B and 10.0 t ha−1 PM (B30+ PM10) gave the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato at both sites. Lowest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition was obtained for the control. The study indicated that B in combination with PM have the potential to improve sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition of sweet potato storage roots for human health in severely degraded soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research information on the effects of biochar and poultry manure on the growth, yield, and concentrations of nutrients in edible portions of sweet potato is rare, as essential nutrient concentrations in crops can affect human health. The objective of this study was to examine the synergistic effects of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, sweet potato growth, and yield. The field experiments were conducted in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria at two degraded sites (Owo - site A and Obasooto - site B). The treatments each year consisted of four levels of biochar (B): 0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 t ha-1 and three levels of poultry manure (PM): 0, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha-1, which were combined in a 4 × 3 factorial layouts to form a total of twelve treatments. The twelve treatments were factorially arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data collected on sweet potato leaves, storage roots, growth, and yield were analyzed over two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). The results showed that the sole application of B and PM, as well as their combined application, improved the growth, yield, and nutritional quality parameters of sweet potatoes. As B and PM applications increased from 0 to 30.0 t ha-1 and 0 to 10.0 t ha-1, respectively, leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth, and sweet potato yield increased. In both years, there were significant interactions of B and PM (B × PM) on all the sweet potato variables that were determined, indicating the potential of B in enhancing PM use efficiency. It was found that the highest application rate of 30.0 t ha-1 B and 10.0 t ha-1 PM gave the highest leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth, and yield of sweet potato at both sites. The study indicated that B in combination with PM has the potential to improve the growth, yield and nutrient content of the edible portions of sweet potato for human health in severely degraded soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Sawdust, an organic residue abounds in many parts of Nigeria; they often block drainage channels, sometimes burnt to further aggravate the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, it can be harnessed as soil amendment.Method A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ilorin, Nigeria during the 2018 and 2019 wet seasons to evaluate the performance of four sesame varieties using sawdust biochar. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, replicated four times. The main plots consisted of four varieties of Sesame (E-8, Ex-Sudan, NCRI-Ben001M, and NCRI-Ben002M), the subplots were sawdust biochar (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Mgha-1). Data were collected on water holding capacity, plant height, and number of leaves, leaf area index, and yield per hectare. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using new Duncan Multiple Range test at 5% level of probability.Results Results showed significant (Ƿ ˂0.05) effects of variety, and sawdust biochar rates on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, crop growth rate and yield per hectare. Variety NCRI-Ben001M gave a yield of 670 kgha-1 at the application rate of 15 tha-1 sawdust biochar (676 kgha-1) compared to the average yield of sesame in Nigeria.Conclusion Farmers are therefore encouraged to cultivate NCRI-Ben001M variety and use saw dust biochar at the rate of 15 Mg ha-1 for optimum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase in the number of screen house cultivation practices has a fear for escalation in the cost of cocopeat coupled with lower return rate or benefit/cost ratio. Therefore, a study was conducted during 2019 at the Landmark University, Kwara State, Nigeria to evaluate the potentials of biochar and rice husk combinations to replace cocopeat as a soilless substrate on tomato. The treatment consisted of (1) Rice husk (RH) 100%, (2) Cocopeat (CP) 100%, (3) Biochar (B) 100%, (4) RH + CP 70/30%, (5) RH + B 70/30%, (6) RH + CP 50/50%, (7) RH + B 50/50%, (8) CP + B 50/50%, (9) CP + B 70/30% and (10) soil 100%. The treatments (substrates) were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design replicated four times under screen house conditions. The results of this study revealed that soilless media (CP, RH and B alone and combinations) reduced bulk density and increased water holding capacity (WHC), pH, CEC, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root weight, and fruit weight of tomato relative to the soil. CP has higher WHC, plant growth and yield parameters, mineral, TS, and TSS values and lower bulk density relative to other substrates/combinations and soil but similar to RH + CP 50/ 50. The yield differences between CP alone and RH + CP50/50, RH + B50/50, B alone, CP + B 70/30, RH + B 70/30, CP + B50/50, RH + CP70/30, RH alone and soil were 4.5, 10.8, 47.3, 58.1, 72.3, 109.7, 110.9, 143.6 and 484.3%, respectively. The soil has higher mineral contents relative to other substrates combinations except for CP. Therefore, RH + CP 50/50 is recommended, but based on the economic analysis, RH + B 50/50 has the highest benefit/ cost ratio and therefore recommended as a good substitute for expensive cocopeat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Poultry manure (PM) has been shown to boost crop productivity. However, little is known about its favorable interactions with wood biochar (B) on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) growth and yield, and soil qualities. Hence, a 2-year field trial was conducted in the southwest Nigeria at two locations (Owo – site A and Obasooto – site B) to co-apply PM and wood B as soil amendments to boost sweet potato productivity and soil quality. The experiment consisted of a 3 × 4 factorial layout with three replications. PM and B significantly reduced soil bulk density and improved porosity and moisture content with their rate of application when compared to the control. As PM and B applications increased from 0 to 10.0 t ha−1 and 0 to 30.0 t ha−1, respectively, soil chemical properties and sweet potato growth and tuber yield increased. Co-application of 10.0 t ha−1 PM and 30.0 t ha−1 B increased tuber yield by 220% compared to treatments without PM or B. Significant synergistic interactions between PM and B were observed for all parameters. In comparison with other treatments, co-applying PM and B to sweet potato soils is a viable sustainable option for increasing sweet potato productivity and soil sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choice of Neolamarckia cadamba for reforestation and agroforestry programs in Nigeria could be constrained with lack of basic knowledge on the species-management in relation to its sensitivity to water and growth on low fertile soil. Hence, growth of the species as influence by watering regimes and bamboo biochar was evaluated. Treatments involved three watering frequencies (watering thrice a week, twice a week and once a week) and five levels of biochar (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 tons/ha) combined in a factorial arrangement. These were laid out in a randomised complete block design with five replicates. Municipal-waste compost was basally applied at 160 kg N/ha. Growth in terms of shoot length, stem girth, number of leaves, dry matter and relative growth rate were evaluated. The results showed that not significant (p = 0.05) highest growth was obtained from seedlings watered thrice a week with 4 tons of biochar/ha in stem girth (10.67 mm), total dry matter (23.15 g/pot), allocated biomass in stem (7.44 g/pot), leaves (9.51 g/pot) and shoot (16.95 g/pot), shoot RGR (0.022 g/g/day) and total RGR (0.025 g/g/day). Main effect of biochar was only significant (p = 0.05) at 4 tons/ha on stem girth (9.38 mm), higher than control and other rates. These results indicated that with adequate nutrient-supply from organic source like compost and proper soil-management such as biochar inclusion, N. cadamba seedlings could survive and grow well under low or high watering frequency in the range of once to three times a week (420 mm to 1260 mm rainfall/ha respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degraded soils in humid tropics are characterized by low fertility and high soil erosion potential. Hence, field experiments were conducted during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons on an Alfisol at Owo in the forest–savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria to evaluate the effects of the application of biochar (B) produced from waste wood of trees on physicochemical characteristics, erosion potential, and maize yield. Four treatments considered were control (no biochar application, 10 t ha−1 B, 20 t ha−1 B and 30 t ha−1 B). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results in both years indicated that B application significantly improved grain yield of maize and soil chemical properties, and reduced bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR), and increased porosity (PO), moisture content (MC), and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates. Pooled over 2 years, B applied at 10, 20 and 30 t ha−1 increased grain yield of maize by 44.4%, 66.7%, and 88.9%, respectively, compared with the control. Averaged over 2 years, incorporating B into the soil significantly reduced soil loss (SL) by 32.3%, 56.9%, and 69.7% at 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1 application rates, respectively, compared with the control. The formation of macroaggregates in the B-amended soils is the critical factor to improve soil erosion potential. Therefore, the application rate of 30 t ha−1 B is considered as suitable for severely degraded soil because this application rate efficiently improves maize yield and soil properties and reduces SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the quality and bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals in sorghum grown in biochar-treated landfill soils. Composite soil samples were collected from the three main landfill sites in Lagos State, Nigeria. All soil samples were obtained at 0–15 cm soil depth, and a control site was established at 3 m downstream of each of the site. The soil samples were air-dried and analysed for physico-chemical properties and metals concentrations using standard methods in the laboratory. Sorghum seeds were planted in five landfill soil pots, treated with wood biochar at 5 t ha−1 interval, from 0 to 20 t ha−1, and replicated thrice for each soil in a completely randomized design approach for a screenhouse experiment. The plants were harvested at 12 weeks after planting and later oven-dried at 70 °C for 48 h before they were digested and analysed. The results showed that Cu and Pb concentrations in the landfill soils exceeded standard guidelines for agricultural soils, but these reduced with biochar application rate in the soils. Biochar applications at 10–15 t ha−1 also produced the best growth performance and tissue nutrient in the sorghum. Assessment of the biomass efficiency indicated greater performance in the capacity to immobilize more metals concentrations at 20 t ha−1 and was worse at 5–10 t ha−1 biochar applications. The study concluded that the use of biochar as organic amendment on contaminated soils can be vital for soil remediation in polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (pyrolyzed biomass) has been shown to have potential in increasing crop yield, particularly in tropical soils. Little information, however, is available on how various biochar types affect crop yield in different soil types in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gliricidia biochar on the growth of moringa (Moringa oleifera) plant, which offers numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits to users. A factorial pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) biochar (GB) and NPK inorganic fertilizer on the moringa plant. Biochar at five rates of 0, 22, 44, 88, and 176 g in combination with NPK 15:15:15 inorganic fertilizer at five rates of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 g were added to 10 kg sandy soil classified as Oxisol. There was a positive but comparable effect of applying gliricidia biochar and inorganic fertilizer. Tree height, stem diameter, and dry-matter mass increased with increase in application rates of the amendments. The main effects of biochar and fertilizer on different plant parameters were significant but the effects of the interaction of biochar and fertilizer were not significant. The results established that in places where inorganic fertilizers are limited, gliricidia biochar could be applied to produce healthy moringa seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT A field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Station of University of Agriculture, Makurdi during the 2019 cropping season to investigate the effect of sawdust mixed with eucalyptus biochar on nematodes associated with beniseed as well as their impact on yield. A total of nine treatments combinations were evaluated using a 3 x 3 factorial experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications. The treatments combinations consisted of single applications of sawdust and eucalyptus biochar, and mixed formulations of sawdust + eucalyptus biochar applied in powder forms at the rates of 0 t/ ha, 2.5 t/ha and 5 t/ha. Nematode and yield data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results showed that use of 2.5 t/ha and 5 t/ha of sawdust mixed with eucalyptus biochar reduced the population of plant-parasitic nematodes by 21.6%, and 37.8%, respectively. Although yields obtained from plots treated with the two rates of mixed formulation were 0.51 t/ha and 0.49 t/ha, the observed difference was not statistically significant but was higher than yields obtained when either eucalyptus biochar or sawdust was applied singly. The study showed evidence of nematode population control and yield improvement when mixed formulations of sawdust-eucalyptus biochar was applied at 2.5 and 5.0 t/ha and hence recommended for inclusion in the integrated pest management program for beniseed production in Makurdi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]