Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)

Taiwo Michael Agbede

doi:10.18393/ejss.1880408

Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)

Abstract

Soil degradation poses a major challenge to sustainable yam (Dioscorea rotundata) production in tropical regions due to continuous cultivation and declining soil fertility. This study presents the first field-based two-year factorial evaluation of cocoa pod husk biochar (CPHB) combined with poultry manure (PM) on yam performance in a degraded tropical Alfisol at Owo, southwestern Nigeria. The experiment was arranged in a factorial design with three CPHB rates (0, 15.0, and 30.0 t ha-1) and three PM rates (0, 10.0, and 20.0 t ha-1), replicated three times over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Results showed that CPHB and PM, applied singly or in combination, significantly (p < 0.05) improved soil physical and chemical properties compared with the control. The combination of 30 t ha-1 CPHB + 20 t ha-1 PM produced the most favorable soil conditions—lower bulk density, higher porosity and moisture content, and enhanced nutrient status—and significantly increased leaf N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, as well as growth and tuber yield. Averaged over the two years, the highest tuber yield (46.1 t ha-1) was obtained from the combined application of 30 t ha-1 CPHB + 20 t ha-1 PM, representing substantial yield gains over individual or the control. These findings demonstrate the synergistic potential of biochar and poultry manure in improving soil fertility and promoting yam productivity. However, given the high amendment rates, practical adoption will depend on local availability, transport logistics, and labor, and further economic evaluation is recommended to assess economic/on-farm feasibility on degraded tropical Alfisols.

Keywords

References

Adekiya, A.O., Agbede, T.M., Aboyeji, C.M., Dunsin, O. Simeon, V.T., 2019. Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil characteristics and the yield of radish. Scientia Horticulturae 243: 457-463.
Adeleye, E.O., Ayeni, L.S., Ojeniyi, S.O., 2010. Effect of poultry manure on soil physico chemical properties, leaf nutrient contents and yield of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) on Alfisol in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of American Science 6(10): 871-878.
Adeyemo, A.J., Akingbola, O.O., Ojeniyi, S.O., 2019. Effects of poultry manure on soil infiltration, organic matter contents and maize performance on two contrasting degraded alfisols in southwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 8: 73-80.
Agbede, T.M., 2006. Effect of tillage on soil properties and yam yield on an Alfisol in southwestern Nigeria. Soil and Tillage Research 86: 1-8.
Agbede, T.M., 2025. Poultry manure improves soil properties and grain mineral composition, maize productivity and economic profitability. Scientific Reports 15: 16501.
Agbede, T.M., Adekiya, A.O., 2012. Effects of poultry manure on soil fertility, leaf nutrient composition, growth and yield of white yam and yellow yam. University of Khartoum Journal of Agricultural Sciences 20(3): 286-303.
Agbede, T.M., Adekiya, A.O. Ogeh, J.S., 2013. Effects of organic fertilizers on yam productivity and some soil properties of a nutrient-depleted tropical Alfisol. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 59(6): 803-822.
Agegnehu, G., Bass, A.M., Nelson, P.N., Bird, M.I., 2016. Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar–compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Science of the Total Environment 543: 295-306.

Agegnehu, G., Srivastava, A.K., Bird, M.I., 2017. The role of biochar and biochar-compost in improving soil quality and crop performance: A review. Applied Soil Ecology 119: 156-170.
Akinrinde, E.A., Obigbesan, G.O., 2000. Evaluation of the fertility status of selected soils for crop production in five ecological zones of Nigeria. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria. Babalola, O. (Ed.), 30 October-3 November 2000. Ibadan, Nigeria, pp. 279-288.
Akom, M., Oti-Boateng , C., Otoo, E., Dawoe, E., 2015. Effect of biochar and inorganic fertilizer in yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) production in a forest agroecological zone. Journal of Agricultural Science 7(3): 211-222.
AOAC., 2012. Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. AOAC International. 19th edn. Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.
ASTM D1762-84., 2021. Standard test method for chemical analysis of wood charcoal. West Conshohocken, PA: American Society for Testing Materials.
Atkinson, C.J., Fitzgerald, J.D., Hipps, N.A., 2010. Potential mechanisms for achieving agricultural benefits from biochar application to temperate soils: a review. Plant and Soil 337(1-2): 1-18.
Bai, S.H., Omidvar, N., Gallart, M., Kämper, W., Thamasbian, I., Farrar, M.B., Singh, K., Zhou, G., Muqadass, B., Xu, C.-Y., Koech, R., Li, Y., Nguyen, T.T.N., van Swieten, L., 2022. Combined effects of biochar and fertilizer applications on crop yield: A review and meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment 808: 152073.
Blanco-Canqui, H., 2017. Biochar and soil physical properties. Soil Science Society of America Journal 81(4): 687-711.
Bornø, M.L., Müller-Stöver, D.S., Liu, F., 2018. Contrasting effects of biochar on phosphorus dynamics and bioavailability in different soil types. Science of the Total Environment 627: 963-974.
Bray, R.H., Kurtz, L.T., 1945. Determination of total, organic, and available forms of phosphorus in soils. Soil Science 59(1): 39-46.
Brunauer, S., Emmett, P.H., Teller, E., 1938. Adsorption of gases in multimolecular layer. Journal of the American Chemical Society 60(2): 309-319.
Carter, M.R., Gregorich, E.G., 2007. Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis. 2nd Edition. Canadian Society of Soil Science, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, Florida, 1264 p.
Chen, X., Li, L., Li, X., Kang, J., Xiang, X., Shi, H., Ren, X., 2023. Effect of biochar on soil-water characteristics on soils. A pore-scale study. Water 15(10): 1909.
Edussuriya, R., Rajapaksha, A.U., Jayasinghe, C., Pathirana, C., Vithanage, M., 2023. Influence of biochar on growth performances, yield of root and tuber crops and controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. Biochar 5: 68.
Emede, T.O., Shakede, O., Aigbe, U.D., 2021. Comparative effect of NPK (15:15:15) and poultry manure on the growth and yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Journal of Agronomy 20: 17-24.
FAO, 1998. World reference base for soil resources. World Soil Resources Report 84. Foods and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Rome, Italy. Available at [Access date : 15.10.2025]: https://www.fao.org/4/w8594e/w8594e00.htm
FAO, 2023. FAOSTAT Statistical Database: Yam production data 2023. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Available at [Access date : 15.10.2025]: https://www.fao.org/faostat/
Frossard, E., Aighewi, B.A., Ake, S., Barjolle, D., Baumann, P., Bernet, T., Dao, D., Diby, L.N., Floquet, A., Hgaza, V., Ilboudo, L.J., Kiba, D., Mongbo, R.L., Nacro, H.B., Nicolay, G.L., Oka, E., Ouattara, Y.F., Pouya, N., Senanayake, R.L., Six, J., Traoré, O.I., 2017. The challenge of improving soil fertility in yam cropping systems of West Africa. Frontiers in Plant Science 8: 1953.
Gunes, A., Inal, A., Taskin, M.B., Sahin, O., Kaya, E.C., Atakol, A., 2014. Effect of phosphorus-enriched biochar and poultry manure on growth and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv.) grown in alkaline soil. Soil Use and Management 30: 182-188.
Guo, J., Zhou, H., Jia, L., Wang, Y., Fan, M., 2025. Effects of biochar from different pyrolysis temperatures on soil physical properties and hydraulic characteristics in potato farmland of arid and semi-arid regions. Agricultural Water Management 313: 109483.
Hulugalle, N.R., 1992. Amelioration of a highly degraded tropical alfisol by planting l: Changes in soil physical and chemical properties 1989-91. Land Degradation & Development 3(3): 141-152.
International Biochar Initiative, 2015. Standardized product definition and product testing guidelines for biochar that is used in soil. International Biochar Initiative. Available at [Access date : 23.11.2015]: https://biochar-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IBI_Biochar_Standards_V2.1_Final2.pdf
Karki, S., Shrestha, R., Lal, R., Lorenz, K., Lindsey, L.E., 2025. Effects of biochar and cover crops on physical properties of two soils in Ohio. Soil Science Society of America Journal 89(2): e70041.
Lal, R., 2015. Restoring soil quality to mitigate soil degradation. Sustainability 7(5): 5875-5895.
Lehmann, J., Joseph, S., 2015. Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation, 2nd Edition. Routledge, London, UK. 976p.
Liu, X., Zhang, A., Ji, C., Joseph, S., Bian, R., Li, L., Pan, G., Paz-Ferreiro, J., 2013. Biochar’s effect on crop productivity and the dependence on experimental conditions - a meta-analysis of literature data. Plant and Soil 373: 583-594.
Long, V.V., Dung, T.V., 2023. Reducing nitrogen fertilizer combined with biochar amendment improves soil quality and increases grain yield in the intensive rice cultivation system. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 12(3): 222-228.
Madiba, O.F., Solaiman, Z.M., Carson, J.K., Murphy, D.V., 2016. Biochar increases availability and uptake of phosphorus to wheat under leaching conditions. Biology and Fertility of Soils 52: 439-446.
Major, J., 2010. Guidelines on practical aspects of biochar application to field soil in various soil management systems. International Biochar Initiative, Canandaigua, NY, USA. Available at [Access date : 15.10.2025]: https://biochar-international.org
Mwafulirwa, L., Sizmur, T., Daymond, A., Atuah, L., Quaye, A.K., Coole, S., Robinson, S., Hammond, J., Awudzi, G., Awunyo-Vitor, D., Domfeh, O., Hadley, P., 2024. Cocoa pod husk-derived organic soil amendments differentially affect soil fertility, nutrient leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions in cocoa soils. Journal of Cleaner Production 479: 144065.
Ngalani, G.P., Kagho, F.D., Peguy, N.N.C., Prudent, P., Ondo, J.A., Ngameni, E., 2023. Effects of coffee husk and cocoa pods biochar on the soil chemical properties of an acid soil from West Cameroon. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 69(5): 744-758.
Obetta, C.D., Adejoro, S.A., Adekayode, F.O., 2023. Comparative effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil physicochemical properties and on the quality of yam (Dioscorea rotundata). Nature and Science 21(5): 33-40.
Owolabi, A.A., Nwoke, O.C., Ojeleye, A.E., 2023. The effect of poultry manure application on tuber yield and shelf life of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) at Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Uniosun Journal of Agriculture and Renewable Resources 7(3): 102-109.
Oyeyiola, Y., Tanga, M., Lewu, F., 2025. Single biochar application enhanced the effectiveness of organic fertilizers in a continuously cropped soil. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(4): 325-335.
Premalatha, R.P., Bindu, J.P., Nivetha, E., Malarvizhi, P., Manorama, K., Parameswari, E., Davamani, V., 2023. A review on biochar’s effect on soil properties and crop growth. Frontiers in Energy Research 11: 1092637.
Tel, D. A., Hagarty, M., 1984. Soil and plant analysis. Study guide for agricultural laboratory directors and technologists working in tropical regions. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria in conjunction with University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 277 p.
USDA, 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th Edition. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Services. Available at [Access date : 15.10.2025]: https://nrcs.app.box.com/s/xi57bj6zyo601eokr7v715mkdpeaa81h/file/1020963161643
VSN International, 2023. Genstat Reference Manual (Release 23), Part 1 Summary. VSN International, Hemel Hempstead, UK.
Yan, P., Shen, C., Zou, Z., Fu, J., Li, X., Zhang, L., Zhang, L., Han, W., Fan, L., 2021. Biochar stimulates tea growth by improving nutrients in acidic soil. Scientia Horticulturae 283: 110078.
Ye, L., Camps-Arbestain, M., Shen, Q., Lehmann, J., Singh, B., Sabir, M., 2020. Biochar effects on crop yields with and without fertilizer: A meta-analysis of field studies using separate controls. Soil Use and Management 36(1): 2-18.
Zubairu, A.M., Micheli, E., Ocansey, C.M., Boros, N., Rethati, G., Lehoczky, E., Gulyas, M., 2023. Biochar improves soil fertility and crop performance: A case study of Nigeria. Soil Systems 7(4): 105.
Zhang, L., Chang, L., Liu, H., Puy Alquiza, M.J., Li, Y., 2025. Biochar application to soils can regulate soil phosphorus availability: a review. Biochar 7(1): 13.
Zhu, Z., Zhang, Y., Tao, W., Zhang, X., Xu, Z., Xu, C., 2025. The biological effects of biochar on soil’s physical and chemical characteristics: A review. Sustainability 17(5): 2214.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Soil Sciences and Plant Nutrition (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Taiwo Michael Agbede ^*
0000-0002-2930-9672
Nigeria

Publication Date

April 1, 2026

Submission Date

October 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1880408

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69JK84XN

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Agbede, T. M. (2026). Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024). Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, 15(2), 195-208. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1880408

AMA

1.Agbede TM. Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024). EJSS. 2026;15(2):195-208. doi:10.18393/ejss.1880408

Chicago

Agbede, Taiwo Michael. 2026. “Effects of Biochar and Poultry Manure on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Yam in Degraded Tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 (2): 195-208. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1880408.

EndNote

Agbede TM (April 1, 2026) Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024). Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 2 195–208.

IEEE

[1]T. M. Agbede, “Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)”, EJSS, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 195–208, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.18393/ejss.1880408.

ISNAD

Agbede, Taiwo Michael. “Effects of Biochar and Poultry Manure on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Yam in Degraded Tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15/2 (April 1, 2026): 195-208. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1880408.

JAMA

1.Agbede TM. Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024). EJSS. 2026;15:195–208.

MLA

Agbede, Taiwo Michael. “Effects of Biochar and Poultry Manure on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Yam in Degraded Tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024)”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 15, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 195-08, doi:10.18393/ejss.1880408.

Vancouver

1.Taiwo Michael Agbede. Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of yam in degraded tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria (2023-2024). EJSS. 2026 Apr. 1;15(2):195-208. doi:10.18393/ejss.1880408