Abstract
The effect of biochar on tree growth and soil physical properties as indicated in literature is still outstanding. Information on the effect of biochar on tree growth is limited, and the available literature has recorded conflicting results. Therefore, a field experiment using Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarina) as the test crop under different biochar rates was conducted. Four biochar rates (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 t ha−1) were used as treatments, each replicated three times. Generally, biochar-amended plots recorded higher Casuarina height, collar diameter, and diameter at breast height (DBH). The application of biochar at 7.5 t ha−1 resulted in higher Casuarina height of up to 20.2% compared to the control. On the contrary, application of biochar at 2.5 t ha−1 recorded higher collar diameter of up to 30.2% compared to the control. Generally, there was a decrease in soil bulk density with biochar application. Bulk density decreased linearly with increasing biochar application rates with biochar application rate of 7.5 t ha−1 recording the lowest bulk density (0.99 g cm−3). There was a decrease in bulk density of up to 25% compared to the control with the biochar application rate of 7.5 t ha−1. Biochar application rate of 7.5 t ha−1 also recorded the highest soil moisture content across the assessment periods. Biochar-amended plots recorded higher soil moisture content than the untreated control. There was increase in soil moisture content following biochar application of up to 108% with the application of biochar at 7.5 t ha−1 compared to the untreated control. The increase in soil moisture content with biochar application can be attributed to biochar’s porous nature and large surface area. These results suggest that the use of biochar has the potential of enhancing Casuarina growth while enhancing soil physical properties by decreasing bulk density and enhancing soil moisture storage.
Highlights
Dwindling soil fertility is considered a severe bio-physical root cause of declining land productivity in sub-Saharan Africa [1]. e main factors contributing to soil fertility decline are losses of soil nutrients through soil erosion by wind, water, and leaching of N and K
Casuarina Height. e results of this study indicate that Casuarina height growth was significantly different with the application of different biochar rates at 6 months after experiment establishment (MAE), 9 MAE, and 12 MAE (p < 0.05, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively) as shown in Table 2. ere were no significant differences in Casuarina height with the application of different biochar rates at the third month after field establishment (p < 0.09)
Conclusion and Recommendations e aim of the study was to determine the effect of biochar on Casuarina equisetifolia growth and soil physical properties. e results of this study stipulate that biochar has the potential to enhance Casuarina growth
Summary
Dwindling soil fertility is considered a severe bio-physical root cause of declining land productivity in sub-Saharan Africa [1]. e main factors contributing to soil fertility decline are losses of soil nutrients through soil erosion by wind, water, and leaching of N and K. Soil fertility challenges coupled with frequent droughts in sub-Saharan Africa have led to massive crop failures thereby increasing the problem of food insecurity. E increase in temperature as highlighted by Ochieng et al and Herrero et al [4, 5] are likely to lead to depressed and highly erratic rainfall hampering crop growth and tree growth for tree farmers. To address these challenges, studies have been conducted to come up with soil amendments that enhance soil fertility and improve soil physical characteristics while boosting soil moisture retention
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