Understanding the Potentials of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Selected Soil Physical Properties and Maize (Zea mays) Performance

Abstract

Biochar (BC) application has recently gained attention from researchers due to its promising quality of improving soil properties, including physical qualities, and crop performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar in combination with nitrogen fertilizer on selected soil physical properties and maize performance through a field experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The study was a 3 x 4 factorial experiment set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three levels of biochar (0, 2.5, and 5 t/ha) and four levels of fertilizer (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N/ha), replicated three times. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the obtained soil and plant data, and Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used to distinguish the significant means. The findings showed that the soil bulk density and soil moisture constants (SC, FC, PWP, and AWC) were not significantly affected (p ≥ 0.05) by the application of fertilizer and BC. The emergence of seedlings was not significantly impacted following the application of BC or fertilizer. Grain yields, stover, and plant height were all significantly (p ≥ 0.05) impacted following the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Plant height was maximum at 80 and 120kg N/ha application, while the control recorded the shortest plant height. Hence, the application of nitrogen fertilizer increased maize plant height, stover, and grain yields significantly (p ≥ 0.05). Yet, a more long-term study on BC and N fertilizer needs to be done to better understand their impacts on soil and crop performance.