Appraising the Effect of Biochar in Groundnuts(Arachis hypogaea L) Growth Parameters and Yield Under Screen House Conditions

Abstract

Biochar soil amendment is known to suppress the effect of pathogenic fungi and favour plant resistance against soil‐borne pathogen effects. This study appraises the impact of biochar on groundnut yield planted in the slightly acidic sandy loam soil. The study was done at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) screen house, where groundnuts were planted in the 2L pots filled with soil mixed with biochar at different rates (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) in April 2022. Groundnut’s growth parameters were managed by measuring shoot length and root length, counting the number of leaves and taking leaf area once every week from the second week after planting to harvesting, where its yield was also measured.  Analysis of variance showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in groundnut growth parameters and yield when 5% Biochar was used. There was a strong positive correlation between biochar and some groundnut growth parameters. No significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed between Biochar and groundnut growth parameters and yield when 2.5% biochar was used. A slightly weak negative correlation was observed when a 7.5% Biochar rate was used. Biochar-amended soils indicated a dramatic increase in soil pH, CEC, Mn, P, K, Ca, B, Zn, and Si. The current study demonstrates that using 5% maize cob biochar, pyrolyzed at 500°C, in acidic sandy loam soil, can lead to maximum enhancement in soil physical and chemical properties, as well as groundnut growth and yield parameters.