Abstract
Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is biochar. Hence, two-year field experiments were conducted on a sandy loam Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from hardwood on soil physical and chemical characteristics, erosion potential, and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) yield. The study was a 2 × 4 factorial experiment with two years (2017 and 2018) and four biochar levels (0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that biochar application significantly in both years improved yield of cocoyam and soil physical (bulk density, porosity, moisture content, mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, dispersion ratio, and infiltration rate) and chemical (soil organic matter, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and CEC) properties and erosion resistance. Soil characteristics and cocoyam yield improved with level of biochar from 0–30 t ha−1. When 2018 is compared with 2017 in term of soil loss, in the amended plots, 2018 reduced soil loss by 7.4, 20, and 73.5%, respectively, for 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1biochar, whereas there was an increase of 2.7% soil loss in the control plot in 2018 compared with 2017. Therefore, application rate of 30 t ha−1 biochar is considered as suitable for severely degraded soil because this application rate efficiently improves cocoyam yield and soil properties and reduces soil loss.
Highlights
One of the major constraints to crop production in the tropics is soil-related problems
Cocoyams are the cheapest and most handy source of carbohydrate in meals that are recommended for aged people, diabetics, convalescents, and most gastrointestinal disorder patients [19]
E site lies between lat 7°12′N and long 5°35′E, 348 m above sea level, and is located in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria. e soil at Owo is an Alfisol classified as Oxic Tropludalf or Luvisol [21] derived from quartzite, gneiss, and schist [22]. e rainfall pattern is biomodal with peak in June and October. e total annual rainfall in the area is about 1350 mm while mean annual temperature is 32°C. e site of the experiment was just recovered from a fallow of five years after arable cropping to crops such as yam, cassava, melon, and cowpea for about one year without organic or inorganic fertilizer application
Summary
One of the major constraints to crop production in the tropics is soil-related problems. Erefore, the avoidance of soil loss by improved management of the natural resources is important to combat low agricultural production, food insecurity, and the increase in level of poverty in tropical countries [3]. Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance agricultural productivity and soil sustainability is biochar. Biochar is the product of pyrolysis of organic materials in the absence of oxygen and at high temperature [4]. Until now, uncharred amendments were being used to improve the fertility/productivity of the soil and improve organic matter content [5]. The decomposition of soil organic matter is too high [6] especially under tropical condition with high temperature, and biochar provides an additional soil management option. Due to its relative recalcitrant after amendment, biochar can remain in the soil for many years. is contrasts with crop residues e Scientific World Journal or animal manures which turn over on a decadal timescale [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
