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 tones ha-1), laid down in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with four Replications. Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, number 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 t10 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. 10ton ha-1 of maize crop residue biochar can be considered useful for the cultivation of pepper in a pot experiment.