Influence of Different Rates of Fertilizer and Biochar on Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota) in the Forest-Savannah Transitional Zone of Ghana

Abstract

Two field studies to evaluate the effect of biochar and fertilizer application rates on soil and on the growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota) were carried out in 2016 and 2017 at Mampong-Ashanti in the forest-savannah transitional zone of Ghana. Three rates of biochar - 0, 5 and 10 tons ha-1 and five rates of inorganic fertilizers - NPK 15:15:15 at 200 kg ha-1; P&K 50:50 at 50 kg ha-1; P&K 50:100 at 50 kg ha-1; Liquid Fertilizer at 1 L: 200 L water ha-1; and the control - were applied using 3×5 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. The analysis showed significant (P<0.01) interaction of fertilizer × biochar on bulk density, soil porosity, soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and organic matter producing both positive and negative correlations between the soil variables and on total yield, partitioning coefficient and net assimilation rate. The significant two-way interactions and correlation results underscored the need to define expected production outcomes to inform which soil management system is needed to promote sustainable agriculture as different fertilizer and biochar rates affect growth and yield parameters differently.

Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Integrated Nutrient Management of Biochar, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

“…This approach was used to facilitate further decomposition of chicken manure, as well as to minimize the volatilization of nitrogen through the release of Ammonia gas. From AAMUSTED, Mampong campus, hardwood branches of Gliricidia sepium were gathered and heaped, and subjected to a slow pyrolysis process at approximately 500°C in an anoxic pit reactor, as described by Asante et al [22] to produce a biochar. The biochar was subsequently crushed and milled into a powdered form using a milling machine, and packaged in plastic bags until it was ready to be used for the experiment.…”

Gypsum amendment and seasonal variability: effect on soil quality, fruit characteristics and toxicological responses of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) in the Ahafo-Kenyasi Mining Area of Ghana

“…Data on gravimetric moisture content, total porosity and bulk density were determined using methods described in Asante et al [12]. The soil samples were taken by driving aluminum core sampler of known volumes into the soil at 0-15 cm depth prior to gypsum amendment and 12 weeks after amendment.…”

“…Where θg is soil gravimetric moisture; M1 is the weight of soil before oven drying; M2 is the weight of soil after ovendrying [12].…”