Biochar Remediation Improves the Leaf Mineral Composition of Telfairia occidentalis Grown on Gas Flared Soil

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of remediation of gas flared soil by biochar on the nutritional composition of cultivated Telfairia occidentalis leaves, relative to non-gas flared soil. Gas flared soils are degraded due to the presence of heavy metals, noxious gases, carbon soot and acidic rain. Biochar produced from oil palm fibre was applied at five different amounts: 0 t ha−1, 7.1 t ha−1, 13.9 t ha−1, 20.9 t ha−1 and 28.0 t ha−1 to containerized soils (both gas flared and control soil), inside a greenhouse, which were allowed to mineralize for two weeks. Two viable seeds of T. occidentalis per replicate were sown. After eight weeks of growth, leaves were harvested, dried and chemically analyzed. Application of biochar significantly increased leaf ash and crude fibre content of Telfairia occidentalis. Plants from soil treated with 13.9 t ha−1 of biochar had the highest concentrations of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E irrespective of soil type. Maximum increase in leaf vitamin and mineral content was obtained from leaves cultivated on gas flared soil treated with 13.9 t ha−1 and 7.1 t ha−1 of biochar respectively. The results show that biochar treatment can increase leaf mineral concentrations and that this effect is dependent on the amount of biochar application.

The Impact of Biochar and Compost as Soil Amendments, Combined with Poultry Manure, on the Growth, Yield, and Chemical Composition of Lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i>)

“…and (Comp) Ukom et al (2009). andNwite (2016) also reported that organic amendments generally enhance crude fiber content Akachukwu et al, (2018). found that biochar increased the crude fiber content in Telfairia occidentalis leaves, supporting the results obtained in the presented study.…”

Impact of biochar on the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress

“…observed that crude fiber production was changed by fertilizer treatments, as it declined as the fertilization rate increased. According to Akachukwu et al 57 . applying biochar to plants increased leaf moisture, ash, crude fiber, and fat contents while decreasing leaf carbohydrate contents.…”

“…Tammeorg et al 56 observed that crude fiber production was changed by fertilizer treatments, as it declined as the fertilization rate increased. According to Akachukwu et al 57 applying biochar to plants increased leaf moisture, ash, crude fiber, and fat contents while decreasing leaf carbohydrate contents. As stated in the earlier-mentioned studies, the application of biochar enhanced the fiber content; especially 0.2% applied biochar was more significant in enhancing the characters.…”

Soil-Enzymes and Antioxidants Activities of Edible Vegetables Grown in Soils Polluted by Gas Flaring

“…Previous studies have reported the negative effects of gas flaring on phytochemicals in vegetable plants ( Anacletus et al . 2014 ), crop nutrients ( Akachukwu et al . 2018 ), vegetation ( Seiyaboh & Izah 2017 ), water and air quality ( Ekanem 2001 ), man’s health ( Oniero & Abroibo 2001 ) and economy ( Oghifo 2001 ) including its contribution to changing climate ( Okeagu et al .…”