Jul 2026· Advances in Bioscience and Bioengineering· 0 citations· 26 references
Abstract
Declining soil fertility is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, and sole reliance on inorganic fertilizers raises concerns about long-term soil health. This study evaluated the effects of maize cob biochar and NPK fertilizer, applied individually and in combination, on soil properties, growth, and yield of maize (
Zea mays
L.) in Akure, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included control, biochar (1.5 and 3.0 t/ha), NPK fertilizer (100 and 200 kg/ha), and a combined application of 1.5 t/ha biochar with 100 kg/ha fertilizer. Growth parameters measured included plant height, leaf area index, internode length, and stem girth, while yield indices and post-harvest soil chemical properties were also assessed. Results showed that all treatments significantly improved maize performance compared to the control. Biochar alone produced the highest growth values and yield components, including cob weight (375.12 g), number of seeds per cob (707.80), and seed weight per cob (203.53 g), compared to the control (161.50 g, 104.73, and 37.49 g, respectively). The combined treatment also recorded high values (313.52 g, 670.50, and 169.94 g). Biochar improved soil properties, increasing organic carbon (0.89%) and organic matter (1.52%) relative to the control (0.69% and 0.19%), while fertilizer enhanced available phosphorus (5.39 cmol/kg). The study concludes that integrating maize cob biochar with inorganic fertilizer is an effective and sustainable strategy for improving soil fertility and maize productivity.
Biochar amendments can alter soil conditions and crop performance, but their effects may vary with feedstock type. This study evaluated wood-shaving, maize-straw, and charcoal biochars applied at 10 t/ha for their effects on selected soil physical and chemical properties and maize growth at Panderu. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement in a randomised complete block design with four treatments and three replications. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, texture, colour, and bulk density were assessed, while maize responses were evaluated using vegetative growth traits. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, least significant difference at the 5% significance level, and correlation analysis. Post-harvest soil pH ranged from 4.69 in the control to approximately 5.00 in the maize-straw treatment. Organic carbon ranged from 2.96% under wood shavings to 3.20% under maize straw, while CEC ranged from 0.41 to 0.82 cmol⁺ kg⁻¹, with maize straw recording the highest value. Maize growth responses were not uniformly greater under biochar. The control recorded the highest number of leaves (11.1), plant height (75.2 cm), and stem girth (5.87), whereas maize-straw biochar produced the greatest leaf area (199.99 cm²). Leaf dimensions did not differ significantly among treatments. Overall, the findings show feedstock-specific responses and indicate that maize-straw amendment produced the most favourable short-term changes in the measured soil chemical properties among the amendments tested.
O. S. Vonu, S. Swaray, G. A. Mokuwa et al.· International Journal of Pla...· 0 citations
In Ethiopia, the use of fertilizer is low due to high cost and limited availability, leading to low yields. Using organic amendment, such as biochar together with mineral fertilizers could be a more effective solution. A field experiment was conducted in clay‐textured soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.82, located in southern Ethiopia to determine the effects of two different types of biochar, including coffee (Coffea Arabica) husk and maize (Zea mays L) straw biochars, at three application rates (0, 2.5, and 5 t per hectare) with and without mineral fertilizer on maize yields, nutrient uptake, and soil properties. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Three‐way analysis of variance was conducted to quantify the effects of biochar type, rate, and mineral fertilizer combinations on maize yields, nutrient uptake, and selected soil properties. Biochar application, alone or with fertilizer, improved maize yields, nutrient uptake (N and P), and soil properties (organic carbon, bulk density, and soil moisture content) significantly. Coffee husk biochar outperformed maize straw biochar by 44% in enhancing maize yield. Coffee husk biochar was also better in improving soil properties (4%, 5%, and 13% enhancement of organic carbon, soil moisture content, and soil bulk density, respectively, compared to maize straw biochar). Increasing the biochar application rate from 2.5 to 5 t ha−1 resulted in maize grain yield increase of 45.1%, irrespective of the biochar type. Combining coffee husk biochar at 5 t ha−1 with mineral fertilizer showed the best results in terms of nutrient uptake, maize yield, and soil improvement. This study suggests that using biochar from coffee husk and maize straw can boost maize productivity in similar environments by enhancing soil moisture and nutrient availability.
S. Raji, Werkinesh Kassa, Alemayehu Kiflu et al.· Vadose Zone Journal· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bone-derived biochar, produced from slaughterhouse waste, as a multifunctional soil amendment within a climate-smart and circular agriculture framework. The central research question explores whether biochar can enhance maize (Zea mays) productivity, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in arid agroecosystems. A two-season field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil under drip irrigation to assess the impact of biochar applied at 0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1. The responses measured included agronomic traits (plant height, biomass, grain yield), soil biochemical properties (organic carbon, available phosphorus, microbial biomass carbon), GHG emissions (CO₂ and N₂O), and economic returns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to integrate the agronomic, environmental, and economic outcomes.
RESULTS
biochar significantly improved plant growth, increased biomass by 28%, grain yield by 51%, and enhanced soil quality indicators. Notably, it reduced CO₂ emissions by 24% and N₂O by 15%. The 10 t ha-1 application rate was identified as the most effective in balancing yield, soil health, and emissions mitigation.
CONCLUSIONS
bone-derived biochar offers a sustainable, climate-resilient strategy for improving maize productivity and soil health while contributing to GHG reduction and supporting circular economy goals in arid farming systems.
L. Hamed, E. Emara· BMC Plant Biology· 0 citations
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important crop valued for its high protein and oil content, yet its productivity in Afghanistan remains constrained by poor soil fertility and reliance on chemical fertilizers. This review article synthesizes experimental evidence on the comparative effects of organic inputs (night soil, farm manure) and inorganic fertilizers (diammonium phosphate, urea) on soybean growth and yield under Kabul’s semi‑arid conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sustainable nutrient management strategies that enhance crop productivity while maintaining soil health.
Field trials conducted at Kabul University employed a randomized complete block design with five treatments: control, night soil, farm manure, DAP, and urea. Growth parameters such as plant height, branches per plant, leaf number, and pods per plant were measured alongside yield attributes including 100‑seed weight and grain yield. Results demonstrated that organic amendments significantly improved soybean performance compared to chemical fertilizers. Farm manure produced the tallest plants, highest branching, and maximum pods per plant, with grain yield reaching 1725 kg/ha. Night soil accelerated flowering and pod formation while also improving yield (1616 kg/ha). In contrast, urea resulted in the lowest yield (1262 kg/ha), highlighting the limitations of sole reliance on chemical inputs.
The findings confirm that organic fertilizers enhance soil structure, microbial activity, and long‑term fertility, making them vital for sustainable soybean production in semi‑arid Kabul. Integrating organic inputs into nutrient management strategies can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve food security, and support climate‑resilient agriculture in Afghanistan.
Ezatullah Aryubi, A. G. Ayubi, Amira Saidi· International Journal of Cur...· 0 citations
Mineral and organic fertilizers differ in nutrient-release patterns and effects on soil biological processes, yet their combined influence on soybean productivity, seed composition, and soil biochemical functioning remains unclear. This study evaluated soybean and soil responses to mineral, farmyard manure (FYM), and combined fertilization over two growing seasons. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Eight fertilizer treatments, i.e., unfertilized control, triple superphosphate, 20–20 (20% N and 20% P₂O₅), 20–20 + urea, FYM + urea, and FYM at 40, 80, or 120 t ha⁻¹ were included in the study. Agronomic traits, chlorophyll index (SPAD), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), seed protein and oil contents, 100-seed weight, seed yield, soil enzyme activities, and soil NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N were recorded. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, and Tukey-adjusted pairwise comparisons were used to compare means. Fertilizer treatment significantly affected all plant and soil variables. The 20–20 + urea treatment produced the highest number of pods and nodes plant− 1 and the highest urease activity. FYM + urea and FYM at 80 t ha⁻¹ produced the highest seed yields, followed by FYM at 120 t ha⁻¹. Likewise, FYM + urea produced the highest seed protein content, whereas TSP, 20–20, and FYM-only treatments generally favored seed oil content. FYM at 40–120 t ha⁻¹ increased catalase activity, and FYM at 120 t ha⁻¹ produced the highest dehydrogenase activity and soil NO₃⁻-N concentration. Yield was strongly associated with 100-seed weight and dehydrogenase activity (r = 0.83 for both), SPAD (r = 0.78), and catalase activity (r = 0.73), whereas seed protein and oil contents were negatively correlated (r = − 0.87). PCA associated FYM at 80–120 t ha⁻¹ with yield, seed weight, mineral N, and soil enzyme activity, whereas FYM + urea and 20–20 + urea were more closely related to vegetative growth, NDVI, pod production, and seed protein content. The fertilizer treatments exhibited different responses among the measured plant and soil variables. FYM + urea and the higher FYM rates resulted in high soybean yield, greater seed weight, improved canopy performance, and enhanced soil biological activity, whereas 20–20 + urea mainly favored reproductive traits, urease activity, and soil NH₄⁺-N. Thus, integrated and organic nutrient inputs can improve both productivity and short-term soil biochemical functioning, but the responses should be interpreted as treatment-package effects, as the nutrient inputs were not equivalent.
E. Ramazanoğlu, Vedat Beyyavaş, Suat Cun et al.· BMC Plant Biology· 0 citations
Fertiliser source can influence crop growth and soil properties, but comparative information for pea cultivation under the mid-hill agro-climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh remains limited. A field experiment was conducted at Panjiala Village, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India, during the rabi season from December 2025 to March 2026 to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilisers on soil health and the growth performance of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. PB-89. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with three treatments and three replications: T₁ (vermicompost applied at 5 t ha⁻¹, equivalent to 3.0 kg per gross plot), T₂ (seaweed-fortified granules applied at 416.7 kg ha⁻¹, equivalent to 250 g per gross plot), and T₃ (unfertilised control). The fertilisers were thoroughly incorporated into the soil before sowing, and observations were recorded from the net plot area (2.4 m × 1.8 m). Soil samples collected before sowing and after harvest were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, available phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, soil texture, and soil colour. Plant height and number of leaves were recorded at weekly intervals from December to March. The organic treatment produced the greatest plant height (76.0 ± 8.25 cm) and number of leaves (79.0 ± 8.40) and increased soil organic carbon from 0.80% before sowing to 1.10% after harvest. In contrast, the inorganic treatment recorded the highest available phosphorus (32.8 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (385.6 kg ha⁻¹) after harvest. Soil pH remained slightly to moderately acidic, while EC remained within the normal range under all treatments. These results suggest that vermicompost was more effective in improving vegetative growth and soil organic carbon, whereas seaweed-fortified granules enhanced the availability of phosphorus and potassium under the agro-climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
Arti Rana, Simran, Madhu et al.· International Journal of Pla...· 0 citations
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