INNOVATIVE BIOCHAR PRODUCTION FROM DIFFERENT AGRICULTURAL WASTES FOR CROP PRODUCTION AND CARBON STORAGE

Abstract

This work investigated the performances of three biochars from three agricultural wastes on soil properties, growth and yield of cereal, legume and vegetable crops on an acidic soil. The biochars studied were rice mill husk biochar, saw dust biochar and palm bunch biochar. The biochars were applied at uniform rates of 10t/ha and treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Pre-planting and post-planting soil analysis were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Field and laboratory results were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Least significant difference at 5% probability level. Results showed that the biochars increased soil moisture content, soil pH, exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity and base saturation when compared to control. Among the three biochars, palm bunch biochar recorded the highest Telfairia occidentalis leaf of 37 as against 14 in control and the number of branches was increased by 40%. At 10 weeks after planting, 10 t/ha palm bunch biochar increased the dry weight of maize by 67%, and maize height by 47%. Application of 10t/ha palm bunch biochar increased the number of groundnut pods by 87%. The three biochars were able to increase the amount of carbon stored when compared to control. Application of 10t/ha saw dust biochar increased the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil by 67%. Therefore, conversion of high carbonaceous agricultural wastes into biochars for soil amendment is an effective measure of increasing soil quality, growth and yield of crops on a weathered soil.