Characterization of Biochar and Compost Produced from different Plant Materials and Its Swine-based Compost for Soil Nutrient Release (Published)
This study focused on potential of different plant materials to release nutrients, its transformation into biochar and compost, and effect of this transformation on some chemical properties in relation to bioavailability of end-products. Preparations of Compost and Biochar were carried out by Aerobic Heap and Top-lit Up-Draft kiln methods respectively for six different plant materials (Cassava peels, Gliricidia cuttings, Maize stovers, Neem clippings, Panicum maximum and sawdust). Chemical analysis was carried out, before and after transformation. Wide variability in the capacity to release nutrients was discovered from analysis of the initial plant materials. The degree of abundance of nutrients (macro and secondary elements) in either compost or biochar, produced from different plant materials was observed. However, the most significant build of these nutrients was observed in Gliricidia-Swine based compost. Therefore, depending on duration of the crop, either biochar or compost will be a suitable soil amendment for soil fertility management.
Keywords: Bioavailability, Biochar, Chemical Properties, compost, plant materials, soil nutrient management
Comparative Study of Some Physico-Chemical Properties and Carbon Storage of Soils under Five Different Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs in the Semi Deciduous Zone of Ghana (Published)
Leaf biomass from Multipurpose Trees and shrubs (MPTs) like Senna siamea, Senna spectabilis, Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium and Albizia lebbeck, are known to provide enormous amount of nutrient for crops when used in rotations and/ or fallow to address the decline in soil fertility and yields and store Carbon and biomass and the soil. A study was conducted on soil of Kumasi-Ofin–Nta compound association of the Agroforestry plot belonging to the Natural Resources Faculty of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at Gyinase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to investigate the effect of five selected fallow species on some selected physical and chemical properties of the soils thirteen years after fallow. The field was a Randomized Complete Block Design made up of five MPTs species in three blocks with replications. The sampling depths were 0 – 10 cm, 10 – 20 cm and 20 – 30 cm. Soil samples were taken through physical and chemical laboratory analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The five MPTs species showed no significant influence on chemical properties of the soil (pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Carbon). However, there was significant influence of the MPTs on some soil physical properties (bulk density and porosity).
Keywords: Chemical Properties, Multipurpose Tree, Physical Properties, Shrubs, Soil Degradation