Effect of Biochar Types on Selected Soil Physical and Chemical Properties on the Growth of Maize

Abstract

Biochar amendments can alter soil conditions and crop performance, but their effects may vary with feedstock type. This study evaluated wood-shaving, maize-straw, and charcoal biochars applied at 10 t/ha for their effects on selected soil physical and chemical properties and maize growth at Panderu. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement in a randomised complete block design with four treatments and three replications. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, texture, colour, and bulk density were assessed, while maize responses were evaluated using vegetative growth traits. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, least significant difference at the 5% significance level, and correlation analysis. Post-harvest soil pH ranged from 4.69 in the control to approximately 5.00 in the maize-straw treatment. Organic carbon ranged from 2.96% under wood shavings to 3.20% under maize straw, while CEC ranged from 0.41 to 0.82 cmol⁺ kg⁻¹, with maize straw recording the highest value. Maize growth responses were not uniformly greater under biochar. The control recorded the highest number of leaves (11.1), plant height (75.2 cm), and stem girth (5.87), whereas maize-straw biochar produced the greatest leaf area (199.99 cm²). Leaf dimensions did not differ significantly among treatments. Overall, the findings show feedstock-specific responses and indicate that maize-straw amendment produced the most favourable short-term changes in the measured soil chemical properties among the amendments tested.