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Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Yield, Nutrition, and Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation Responses to Circular Economy-Based Innovations in a Mining-Degraded Landscape

Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, Simon Abugre, Daniel Sarfo Akoto, Nana Sarfo Agyemang Derkyi

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science · pp. 840–850 · Published 9 Dec 2023

10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i224195

Abstract

Mining operations in Ghana's Forest-Savannah Transition Zone have caused widespread land degradation, jeopardizing ecosystems, food security, and agroecological sustainability. In response, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of biochar and poultry litter amendments on cassava (Manihot esculenta) growth, nutritional quality, and heavy metal accumulation at an illegal mining-degraded site in the Amansie Central District of Ashanti, Ghana. The experiment included five treatments: biochar (10 ton/ha), poultry manure (10 ton/ha), a biochar-poultry manure mix (1:1 ratio, 10 ton/ha each), and two control groups (degraded and forest sites). The combined biochar and poultry manure treatment yielded the highest cassava stover biomass (22.9 ton/ha) during the first year. Nutritional characteristics of cassava such as %carbohydrate, %protein and %total ash tubers were influenced by treatment amendments. Additionally, biochar and poultry manure reduced the accumulation of Arsenic (As) by 168.9% and Lead (Pb) by 149.8% in cassava compared with galamsey soil control. This study showcases a circular economy-based approach that employs locally available resources to restore mining-degraded landscapes and enhance regenerative agricultural practices, reducing waste, bioaccumulation of heavy metals and improving carbon sequestration. Promoting the use of biochar and poultry manure amendments for ecological restoration in mining-degraded areas can contribute to sustainable land use, food security, and livelihoods. Policymakers should consider these strategies to align with global and national development goals while improving food systems and ecosystem services. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of cassava cultivation on amended mining sites and assess the potential of these amendments for agroecological enhancement and heavy metal immobilization.

Biochar poultry manure circular economy cassava landscape restoration

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