Effect of Maize Crop Residue Biochar on pepper performance in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Nursery of Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, to determine effect of maize crop residue biochar on pepper performance in Minna. The treatments were five rates of maize crop residue biochar application (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 tons ha-1). laid down in a Completely Randomised Design (RCD) with four replications. Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, number of days to flowering, fresh and dry biomass, and fruit yield. The results showed that the textural class of the soil was sandy loam, soil reaction was slightly acidic (PH 6.7), low in organic carbon (3.60 g kg-1), medium in total nitrogen (0.14 g kg-1) and relatively high in available p (20.72 mg kg-1). Application of 10 ton ha-1 of maize crop residue biochar produced the highest number of leaves, fresh and dry biomass weight, fruit yield and organic content of the soil. 10 ton ha-1 of maize crop residue biochar can be considered useful for the cultivation of pepper in a pot experiment.