Comparative assessment of physiological performance and yield of maize varieties to biochar amended metal polluted soil

Abstract

This study determined the chemical properties of biochar amendments and the performance of two maize varieties grown on the soil. The seeds of two improved varieties of OLOYIN /SW1 and SWAN-1-SR-Y were used while the local breed was obtained from a local market. Treatment consisted of two soil amendment of biochar from 100% Maize residue (MAS) and 100% African Teak (AFT) applied at same rate (10tha^-1) with zero biochar application as the control. Results were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and their treatment means were separated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05.The organic carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus for the two amendments used were 47.60, 3.70, 47.81 g kg^-1 for maize residue, and 44.30, 3.20 and 23.76 g kg^-1 for African Teak. Highest mean plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were 112 cm, 4.90 cm and 9.00 cm were obtained in the OLOYIN when equal proportion of maize residue and African Teak biochars was applied. However, lower growth component values were obtained for the local variety. The highest mean maize grain yield of 279.4 (g) in OLOYIN followed by 243.3 (g) in SWAM -1-SR-Y while the least yield was recorded in the local variety. Also, highest protein (99.7 %), (93.4 ± 0.12%) and vitamin C (27.43, 27.25 mg kg^-1) were obtained for the harvested two improved varieties when compared with the local one.