Effects of Gliricidia Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer on Moringa Plant Grown in an Oxisol

Abstract

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.