Effect of biochar and cowdung on nodulation, growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill).

The experiment was conducted at the Kogi State University Research and Student Demonstration Farm, Anyigba, Kogi State. The objective of this study was to examine effects of biochar and cowdung on nodulation, growth, yield of soybean and nutrient contribution of organic fertilizer used to soil. The study consisted of 5 treatments: combined biochar and cowdung (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha -1 ). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 5 replicates in plots of 2 m × 1 m. Soybean variety TGX 1448-2E was used in the trial. Growth (number of leaves, height, and stem girth), nodulation (nodules number, nodules weight), yield (number of pods, pod dry weight, number of seeds, seed weight per plant, grain yield) and post cropping soil analyses were determined. Analysis of variance showed that biochar and cowdung increased growth and yield of soybean while nodulation decreased. Soil pH, organic carbon, soil nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and CEC significantly increased; available phosphorus insignificantly increased, while exchangeable acidity decreased significantly. Soybean responded well to the application of combined biochar and cowdung. These results showed the potential role of combined biochar and cowdung in improving soil fertility and soybean yields.

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