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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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NIGERIAN RED CROSS SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH LANDMARK UNIVERSITY
In a bid to expand its humanitarian reach and foster greater community engagement, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Irepodun Local Government Chapter has expressed interest in establishing a collaboration with Landmark University on Wednesday 10th April 2024. The proposed partnership aims to establish a Red Cross detachment on the university campus, offering students, faculty, and staff an avenue to participate actively in humanitarian efforts.
Mr. James Ibiwoye, Chair of the Nigerian Red Cross in Irepodun Local Government, presented the organization's intentions during a meeting with the University management. He highlighted the existing involvement of university faculty and staff as members and officials of the Red Cross, emphasizing the need for a dedicated detachment on campus to further integrate the university community into the society's initiatives. Members of the Landmark University community in the society were Dr Bamidele Fakinle (Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering) the Secretary of the Society, and Dr Marion Adebiyi (Head of the Department of Computer Science) a member.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University expressed appreciation for the consideration of the university in the Red Cross's expansion plans. Drawing parallels between the vision and values of both organizations, particularly in the areas of volunteering and leadership, he underscored the significance of sacrifice as a core value shared by the university and the Red Cross.
Corroborating the Vice-Chancellor were the positive remarks by other members of the university's management present at the meeting, who voiced their support for the acceptance and operation of the Red Cross on the Landmark University campus. The proposed collaboration holds the promise of enhancing the university's commitment to community service and humanitarianism, providing valuable opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to contribute meaningfully to societal welfare.
As discussions progress between Landmark University and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, both parties are poised to embark on a partnership that exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and shared values. Together, they aim to create a platform for fostering a culture of service and selflessness within the university community, ultimately making a positive impact on the broader society.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Ajanaku welcoming the Nigerian Red Cross Team to Landmark University
The Chair, Nigerian Red Cross Irepodun Local Government, Mr. James Ibiwoye speaking about the organisation to the Landmark Univuersity Management team.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajanaku presenting the University’s souvenir to the Red Cross Chair, Mr James Ibiwoye
The University management and the Red Cross team in a group photograph.
