EFFECTS OF LIME AND BIOCHAR ON RHIZOSPHERE CHARACTERISTICS, NODULATION AND COWPEA PERFORMANCE IN A DERIVED SAVANNA ALFISOL.

AYORINDE,, BOLAJOKO BISOLA (2022) EFFECTS OF LIME AND BIOCHAR ON RHIZOSPHERE CHARACTERISTICS, NODULATION AND COWPEA PERFORMANCE IN A DERIVED SAVANNA ALFISOL. Masters thesis, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State.

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Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at the Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm in 2021, early cropping seasons in July was adopted and the aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of lime and biochar on rhizosphere characteristics, nodulation and cowpea performance in a derived savanna alfisol. Two experimental locations were employed simultaneously Site A and Site B. The all-out region of the field experiment was 185m2 and the experiment consisted of (5) levels of lime (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1) and five (5) levels of biochar(0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1). The experiment comprised of three blocks and each block comprised of 25 plots and each plot measured 1 × 1 m. Spacing between blocks was 1 m apart while spacing between plots was 0.5 m apart for Site A and Site B respectively. The total number of plots for Site A and Site B is 150 plots. The treatments were applied and arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Relative to control, biochar alone as well as its integration with lime increased soil chemical properties,(N,P,K,Ca,Mg,Oc,pH,CEC,AL+H) reduced soil acidity, improved soil structure and enhanced the growth and yield of cowpea. The best treatment that influenced the pH was 6.3 at a favorable condition for the growth and development of cowpea crop is2.5 t/ha of lime with 2.5 to 10 t/ha of biochar. Optimum yield of cowpea crop was achieved at 2.5 t/ha of lime combined 10 t/ha of biochar. Based on the finding from this experiment, the recommended level to achieve optimum yield with favorable soil chemical condition is 2.5 t/ha of lime combined with 10 t/ha of biochar.

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