Evaluation of the Effect of Charcoal and Seeding Depth on the Agronomic Performance of Zucchini (Curcubita pepo) in Korhogo

Abstract

In order to improve zucchini production, the combined effect of charcoal amendment and seeding depth was tested at the botanical garden of the Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University in Korhogo. To this end, six (6 kg) of activated charcoal were buried in the elementary plots one month before sowing in order to assess its effect on soil fertility. The experimental design was that of completely randomized two-factor blocks which are charcoal amendment and depth. Sowing was carried out one month after the application of charcoal due to three seeds per hill at different depths. Namely 0 inch, 1.5 inch and 3 inch. These same depths were repeated on control plots in order to compare their effect on the agronomic performance of zucchini. The results obtained show that after a campaign of use of biochar, the chemical parameters of the soil (pH, CEC, K+, exchangeable Ca2+ and exchangeable Mg2+) experienced significant increases. The porosity has also been reduced. Zucchini fruit yields increased by 100-250% with charcoal compared to the control. Therefore, the use of charcoal can be popularized as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization to improve the yield of zucchini on sandy loam soils. Zucchini fruit yields increased by 100-250% with charcoal compared to the control. Therefore, the use of charcoal can be popularized as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization to improve the yield of zucchini on sandy loam soils. Zucchini fruit yields increased by 100-250% with charcoal compared to the control. Therefore, the use of charcoal can be popularized as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization to improve the yield of zucchini on sandy loam soils.