Biochar Effect on Maize Yield in Selected Farmers Fields in the Northern and Upper East Regions of Ghana

Abstract

With the current global concern of high concentration of Green House Gases in the atmosphere and the current struggle to ensure food security for the growing population in Africa within this climate change scenario, biochar amendment to soils is gaining acceptance as an important management option for carbon sequestration, soil productivity and fertility improvement and climate change mitigation. This study was to investigate the effect of biochar on maize yield indices on selected farmers' fields (40 farmers) in the Northern and Upper East Regions of Ghana.  The biochar was produced from two feedstock, i.e. rice husk and sorghum. The test crop used was maize where biochar was applied alone and in combination with inorganic fertiliser. The treatments used for this studies were absolute control (No amendment), two tonnes of sorghum biochar, two tonnes of rice husk biochar, full rate of NPK (90:60:60), full rate of NPK with two tonnes of sorghum biochar and full rate of NPK with two tonnes of rice husk biochar. The results showed that biochar in combination with inorganic fertiliser had a significant influence on maize grain and biomass yield. The biochar also had a significant impact on soil pH, soil organic carbon and the available N, P and K. All the biochar contained more than 80% stable carbon and more than 0.3% labile carbon. Increase in pH was in the range of 4.5 to 5.6 and that of SOC from 0.7% in control to 1.3% in biochar amended treatment. Biochar in combination with inorganic fertiliser improve percentage Nitrogen from 0.07% to 2.4%, available Phosphorus from 6.8 ppmp to 14.2 ppmp and increased in K content was 60% above the control. Biochar in combination with inorganic fertiliser can significantly increase crop yield. Decrease medical as well as a financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.