Effect of biochar and rice husk powder on maize (zea mays) productivity and soils in North Cameroon

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of biochar and rice husk powder combined with mineral fertilizer on the yield of the CMS-9015 variety of maize (Zea mays) and fertility. soils. The field experiment with three replicates covered 18 plots of 2.5 m × 2 m each arranged in a randomized random block design. The base treatment in all plots excepted null control T0 (without fertilizer or amendment) was the fertilizer dose NPK + Urea in full dose and half dose: T1: 100 kg NPK ha-1 + 50 kg N ha-1 (advisable treatment); T2 = 15 t (biochar) ha-1 + 100 kg NPK ha-1 + 50 kg N ha-1; T3 = 15 t (powder) ha- 1 + 100 kg NPK ha-1 + 50 kg N ha-1; T4 = 15 t (biochar) ha-1 + 50 kg NPK ha-1 + 25 kg N ha-1 and T5 = 15 t (powder) ha-1 + 50 kg NPK ha-1 + 25 kg N ha-1. The agronomic parameters of maize and its yield as well as the physico-chemical properties of the soils after harvest were measured in these plots. The results were analyzed by STATGRAPHICS followed by the Fisher multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). The application of biochar and powder on this soil resulted in an increase in maize yield of +54.64%, +38.46% and +45.88% respectively with treatments T2, T3 and T4 compared to the recommended treatment (T1). The same positive effect was observed on the soil after harvest compared to the recommended treatment for available phosphorus: 8.67 ± 0.19 mg/kg (with biochar) and 6.34 ± 0.21 mg/kg (with the powder) together with the CEC: 22 ± 4.94 meq/100 g with the powder. Biochar and rice husk powder help rehabilitate soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity when combined with chemical fertilizers. They can ensure sustainable agricultural production.

Keywords

• balles de riz
• biochar
• maïs
• sol
• sanguéré paul