The impact of four levels of biochar on the growth and yield of Lycopersicum esculentus (okra)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAES.6.5.91-99Keywords:
Soil health, Soil structure, Biochar, LiberiaAbstract
In contrast to other Sub-Saharan nations in Africa, soils in Liberia are obviously depleted of vital plant nutrients due to a lack of soil amendments, soil erosion, and a dearth of farmers with the technical know-how to restore soil health. The impact of four degrees of wood biochar treatment on the growth and yield of okra was studied as a result. The experimental design for the study used the RCBD approach. The height of the plant, the number of leaves, the length and width of the leaves, the diameter of the stem, and the yield of the okra were the factors used to evaluate the growth and yield statistics.
According to the study's findings, 250g of applied biochar resulted in the vegetation's highest average plant height (17.2 cm), while 300g of applied biochar produced the most leaves (7.6 cm). However, the 300g of applied biochar had the longest leaf length (11.0 cm), while the 200g and 0g biochar had the highest stem girth values (2.9 cm, 2.8 cm, 2.8 cm, and 3.1 cm, respectively), and the 300g biochar had the highest average yield (10.0 kg/ha). The 300g of biochar used in this study shown a significant potential for okra productivity. Since both applications boost the growth and production of the research crop (okra), it can be inferred that biochar should be treated at 250g and 300g simultaneously for growth and productivity.
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