Influence of biochar and NPK on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Abstract

Few studies have examined how fertilizers affect soil chemical properties, cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) yield, and nutrient uptake in Ghana. This study examined how corn cob biochar (CCB) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer affected cabbage growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and nutrient uptake. The study was conducted during the 2021 major season at Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso. A 3×3 factorial experiment set out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was conducted. The treatments applied were control (No fertilizer), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB and 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB. Application of 100% NPK resulted in the largest (2.99 cm) stem diameter. Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the tallest plants (42.3 cm) and cabbage leaf spread (71.23 cm). Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the largest cabbage head circumference (67.43 cm). The 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB gave the highest yield (40679 kg ha-1). 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB increased nitrogen uptake, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 increased phosphorus and calcium uptake, 100% NPK + 5,000 kg increased potassium uptake, and 50% NPK + 2,500 kg increased magnesium uptake. Therefore, it is suggested that CCB and NPK fertilizers be applied to enhance the soil’s physical and chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and other factors contributing to cabbage growth and yield.