Effect of biochar and supplementary application of micronutrient on soil and growth of okra in Lafia, Nigeria

The study was conducted at the Research farm faculty of Agriculture, Lafia-Shabu campus, Nasarawa State University Keffi. The objectives were to investigate the effect of Biochar and supplementary application of micronutrient on Soil and growth of Okra. Biochar and micronutrient at different rate were considered, Control (zero %), 4tons/ha Biochar, 16 tons /ha Biochar, 4 tons/ha Biochar + 1 litre / ha micronutrient, 16 tons/ha Biochar + ½litre/ha micronutrient, 4tons/ha Biochar + ½litre/ha micronutrient and 16tons/ha biocha+½litre/ha micronutrient. The experiments were laid out and the seven treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Biochar was drill into the first 5cm of the soil. Micronutrient application was first done two (2) weeks after planting and this was followed weekly. All Soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory soil analysis procedures. Data on growth parameters that were collected include, plant height, leaf area and stem girth. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result showed that, there is no significant (p < 0.05) difference on the vegetative growth parameters of the plant. However, 16tons/ha Biochar increased significantly (p < 0.05) the percentage organic carbon, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, Nitrogen, and pH of the soil. This study demonstrated the potential of Biochar in improving the soil quality in the short term and growth parameters of the plant in the long term. Therefore 16 tons /ha Biochar is recommended.