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TITLE OF PUBLICATION:EFFECTS OF BIOCHAR AND POULTRY MANURE ON SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE YIELD OF RADISH
JOURNAL: Scientia Horticulturae
VOLUME: 243 Pages 457-463
AUTHOR: Dr. Adekiya A. O.
What is it about?
It about application of biochar and poultry manure for the productivity of soil and radish.
Why is it important?
Decline in soil fertility has been identified as a major biophysical root cause for the declining per capita food availability from small holder farms in the tropical Africa. The rapid decomposition of organic matter in the tropics means that nutrient retention is a limiting factor to soil productivity. One emerging management strategy to maintain higher yields is the addition of biochar. Biochar is the product of pyrolysis of organic materials in the absence of oxygen and at high temperature. When added to soil, biochar has been reported to increase available nutrients and prevent their leaching, stimulate activity of agriculturally important soil micro-organisms, act as effective carbon sink for several hundred years, sequester atmospheric CO2 in soil, suppress emissions of other greenhouse gases and mitigate the detrimental effects of agrochemicals. While biochar has proven to have a positive conditioning effect on soil, it may be limited as a nutrient supplier alone, because of its relatively low nutrient composition and recalcitrance to biodegradation. For a short season crop like radish, the expected benefit of the biochar alone may not be achieved within the first year, therefore for improved soil and radish productivity in the first year of cropping, addition of poultry manure may be the answer
Perspectives- How have you benefited from the research?
The research has showed that the productivity of a tropical Alfisol can be improve with the addition of biochar especially when added with poultry manure. The work is an eye opener to further research on the use of biochar for soil erosion control. Abstract? Studies on the effect of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties and radish productivity is rare, hence, field experiments were conducted over two years, 2015 and 2016, to evaluate the effects of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil properties, leaf nutrient concentrations and root yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Each year, the experiment consisted of 3×3 factorial combinations of biochar (0, 25 and 50 t ha−1) and poultry manure (0, 2.5 and 5.0 t ha−1). Application of B and PM alone, and in combination, improved soil physical and chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations and yield components of radish. In 2016, the application of B alone increased the soil pH and concentrations of organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg, as well as leaf nutrient concentrations and yield of radish, but in 2015 it only increased soil pH and organic matter and not leaf nutrient concentrations and yield. In both years, the application of B significantly influenced the root length of the radish. In both years, there was a significant interaction effect of biochar and poultry manure (B×PM) and this was attributed to the ability of the B to increase the efficiency of the utilization of the nutrients in the PM. The combination of 50 t ha−1 B and 5 t ha−1 PM (B50+PM5) resulted in the highest radish yield. Averaged over the two years, (B50 + PM5) increased the root weight of radish by 192, 250 and 257% compared with biochar alone at 50 t ha−1, biochar alone at 25 t ha−1 and no application of B or PM (control). Therefore, for a short season crop like radish the expected benefit of the biochar alone without the addition of poultry manure may not be achieved within the first year.
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.08.048
Article URL:
Article LMU Repository Link:
Lead Author Researchgate Link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adekiya_Aruna_Olasekan
Lead Author Scopus Link: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=15820216000
Lead Author Linkedln Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adekiya-aruna-olasekan-799517158
Lead Author Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/adekiyaaruna.olasekan
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LANDMARK UNIVERSITY CROWNED PRIVATE UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR VICE CHANCELLOR NAMED VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE YEAR AT THE NIGERIA ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Landmark University has reaffirmed its position as a leader in Nigeria’s education sector by emerging as the Private University of the Year 2024 – Academic Development at the prestigious Nigeria Academic Excellence Awards (NAEA) on 8th December 2024 red carpet event in Lagos, Nigeria. Adding to this remarkable achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Ajanaku, was honoured as the Vice-Chancellor of the Year 2024 (Academic Development, Private University), underscoring his exemplary leadership in academia.
The NAEA, an annual event, is designed to celebrate and reward exceptional achievements within Nigeria’s education sector. It serves as a platform to recognize individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding academic prowess, innovative leadership, and transformative impact on the nation’s educational landscape.
The organizers highlighted the core objectives of the awards: fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging healthy competition, and elevating education standards across the country. The event showcased the remarkable accomplishments of students, educators, and institutions whose dedication is shaping the future of Nigeria’s education system.
Reflecting on the double recognition, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kolawole Ajanaku expressed his gratitude to the Landmark University proprietor under the Chairmanship of the Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo and the Pro-Chancellor, Pst (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo for the platform of Landmark University and their unwavering support. “This recognition is a celebration of our shared commitment to redefining education and creating transformative leaders for global impact,” he remarked. Professor Ajanaku also emphasized that these accolades underscore the university’s relentless pursuit of academic and operational excellence, as well as its focus on innovative practices and impactful research.
Landmark University’s stellar performance on the global and regional stage further cements its reputation for excellence. In the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, the institution was ranked 2nd best university in Nigeria, and 3rd in West Africa. Its research efforts earned global recognition when it secured 2nd place in the 2025 THE Interdisciplinary Science Research Rankings. Additionally, Landmark University ranked 1st in Ethical Leadership across Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.
A key driver of Landmark University’s success lies in its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university’s focus on zero hunger, quality education, and industry innovation earned it a 2nd-place ranking in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education SDG Impact Rankings.
The university’s accomplishments are not limited to rankings; its graduates consistently excel in their professional endeavours. Employers have lauded their resilience, results-driven mindset, and leadership qualities, with many describing them as professionals who combine technical expertise with high standards of professionalism.
Landmark University’s recognition as the Private University of the Year 2024 and Professor Ajanaku’s award as the Vice-Chancellor of the Year 2024 reaffirm the institution’s trailblazing role in higher education. These accolades highlight the university’s transformative vision and enduring commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development.
To God be all the glory.
