Ameliorative effect of biochar on growth, nodulation and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in acidic soil of Dabagi Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was conducted at screenhouse, Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the ameliorative effects of biochar on the growth, nodulation and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in acidic soil. The research consisted of eight treatments (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70t/ha) of biochar rates. The biochar rates were applied and mixed thoroughly in a rubber bucket containing 5kg of acidic soil 2 weeks prior to sowing. The treatments were replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) and SAMNUT 24 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves) were taken at 2 weeks interval after sowing. Nodulation count, shoot and root dry weight were also taken at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS). Similarly, yield parameters (number of pods and number seeds) were taken after harvest. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences among the means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. The result showed that biochar application significantly (p<0.05) increased plant height at 6 and 8 WAS, number of leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAS, root dry weight at 6 WAS. The application of 20 and 40 t/ha of biochar were found to produced taller plant. 60 and 70 t/ha were found to increased number of leaves, shoot dry weight and pod yield per plant.