All over the world, attention has been drawn to the use of eco-friendly
biochar application to improve crop productivity. In Ghana, there are
available potential feedstocks left unused and can be used for the
production of biochar. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of
different rates of rice husk biochar and different rates of inorganic
nitrogen (N) on the growth of Zea mays in Nyankpala, Northern Ghana. Field
experiments were conducted in the cropping period of 2012. The treatments
involved 4 different rates of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (0 kg Nha-1, 30
kg Nha-1, 60 kg Nha-1 and 90 kg Nha-1) and 3 different rates of rice husk
biochar (0 ton ha-1, 2 ton ha-1 and 4 ton ha-1). The treatments were
allocated in a split-plot design with three replications. The vegetative
parameters assessed were the number of leaves, plant height and plant girth.
Treatments showed a significant (p<0.05) influence on all the traits
considered. The combined effects of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer and rice
husk biochar significantly influenced the vegetative growth parameters of
Zea mays with the maximum values recorded at 4 ton ha-1rice husk biochar.
Yet, this observation corresponds with 2 ton ha-1 rice husk biochar which
recorded optimum growth parameters compared to the control. Within the limit
of this work, it was concluded that growth parameters of Zea mays in the
Guinea Savannah Eco-Zone of Ghana could significantly be improved by
applying 4 ton ha-1 rice husk biochar. Integrated soil fertility management
(ISFM), a prudent combination of inorganic fertilizers and residues from
various sources to sustain the environment is currently a necessity. The
experiment revealed that the application of rice husk biochar can improve
the growth parameters of Zea mays. Yet, further experiments need to be done
using higher rates of rice husk biochar to ensure the appropriate rate of
biochar application.
Influence of integrated soil fertility management on the vegetative growth parameters of Zea mays in the guinea savanna eco-zone of Ghana
