Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth, yield and quality of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott) grown in sandy soil

Abstract

ABSTRACTField experiments were conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effects of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil physical and chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth, mineral composition and corm and cormel yield of cocoyam. The experiment each year consisted of 4 × 2 factorial combinations of B (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha−1) and PM (0 and 7.5 t ha−1). Results of the study indicated that in both years, the application of B and PM alone, and in combination, improved soil physical and chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth, mineral composition and corm and cormel yield of cocoyam. There was a significant interaction effect of B and PM (B x PM) which was adduced to the ability of the B to increase PM-use efficiency and promote better use of the nutrients in the PM. It was found that combination of 30 t ha−1 B and 7.5 t ha−1 PM (B30+ PM7.5) gave the highest corm and cormel yield of cocoyam compared with other treatments. The combination of 30 t ha−1 B and 7.5 t ha−1 PM (B30+ PM7.5) exhibited the highest impact and is therefore recommended for soil sustainability and cocoyam productivity on sandy soil.