Effect of Mixed Biochar-Compost Based on Dead Biomasses of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes on the Productivity and Biodiversity of Arid Sandy Soils in the Sahelian Zone
Description
The Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes can be used as an input in agricultural production. The objective of this study is to determine the capacity of the Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes on the restoration and productivity of degraded arid soils in the Cameroonian Sahel. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to test the effect of the Biochar-Compost mixture on a sandy-clay soil (95%-05%) with and without Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. The Berkley rapid composting method was used to produce the compost while the carbonization method developed by SAHEL NATURE CONSULTING FOR COMMUNITIES was used to produce the biochar. In this experiment, the Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes was applied to the cultures of Zea mays and Solanum lycopersicum L. above at 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha with and without Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. The results showed a significant increase in seed germination percentage as we applied more of 15 t/ha of Compost_Biochar 2 (47.36-52.63)% based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes to agricultural land abandoned due to its degradation due to aridity and silting. The study also showed an increase in crop biomass using Biochar (100%) based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes alone and/or in combination with Compost based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95% -05%). The application of this Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) also increases the growth of shoots and roots of crops, then improves crop yield by improving the physicochemical properties and biological soils, which is probably the reason why Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) could contribute to plant productivity. In view of the percentage of leaching obtained due to runoff water, we conclude that, even in conditions of high precipitation (floods or irregular rainfall), leached soils from highlands for example could be sustainably improved by an amendment to Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. Based on the results of the study, it can be recommended that the application of Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on a sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) with a view to restoring degraded agricultural soil and improve seed germination potential, crop growth performance and dry matter yield without chemical fertilizer.
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The Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes can be used as an input in agricultural production. The objective of this study is to determine the capacity of the Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes on the restoration and productivity of degraded arid soils in the Cameroonian Sahel. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to test the effect of the Biochar-Compost mixture on a sandy-clay soil (95%-05%) with and without Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. The Berkley rapid composting method was used to produce the compost while the carbonization method developed by SAHEL NATURE CONSULTING FOR COMMUNITIES was used to produce the biochar. In this experiment, the Biochar-Compost mixture based on the dead biomass of Prosopis juliflora and Eichhornia crassipes was applied to the cultures of Zea mays and Solanum lycopersicum L. above at 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha with and without Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. The results showed a significant increase in seed germination percentage as we applied more of 15 t/ha of Compost_Biochar 2 (47.36-52.63)% based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes to agricultural land abandoned due to its degradation due to aridity and silting. The study also showed an increase in crop biomass using Biochar (100%) based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes alone and/or in combination with Compost based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95% -05%). The application of this Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) also increases the growth of shoots and roots of crops, then improves crop yield by improving the physicochemical properties and biological soils, which is probably the reason why Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) could contribute to plant productivity. In view of the percentage of leaching obtained due to runoff water, we conclude that, even in conditions of high precipitation (floods or irregular rainfall), leached soils from highlands for example could be sustainably improved by an amendment to Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes. Based on the results of the study, it can be recommended that the application of Compost_Biochar based on Prosopis juliflora_Eichhornia crassipes on a sandy clay soil T03 (95%-05%) with a view to restoring degraded agricultural soil and improve seed germination potential, crop growth performance and dry matter yield without chemical fertilizer.