Assessment of chicken feather-based biochar on selected soil properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays)
Nancy Ekene Ebido
, Uchenna Mabel Ndubuaku, Chigozie Pascal Umeugokwe
Abstract: A glasshouse study was conducted to assess the effects of chicken feather-based biochar on some fertility properties, growth, and yield indices of potted maize. The application rates of chicken feather biochar used were: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/4kg soil, representing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The soil's chemical properties were analyzed. Crop growth and yield data collected are: plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves, number of cobs/plant, and cob weight/plant (kg) after harvest. Results showed that the application rate of 20 t/ha significantly increased the soil pH, TN and OM by 36.3 %, 62.1 %, and 62.3 %, respectively, while 15 t/ha had the highest significant effect on available P. and CEC (31.18 mg/kg and 8.13 cmol/kg, respectively), when compared with control (5.30 mg/kg and 6.53 cmol/kg, respectively). The highest values of plant height (63.10 cm and 70.43 cm, respectively), and stem girth (3.37 cm and 3.47 cm, respectively), were recorded in the 20 t/ha application rate at 8 and 12 weeks after planting. The yield indices (number of cobs and cob weight/plant) differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the rates of application. The 20 t/ha gave the highest mean values of the yield indices (1.5 and 0.35 kg, respectively). Amendment of the soil with 20 t/ha chicken feather biochar gave the highest values of the growth and yield indices in maize and can, therefore, be recommended for adoption by maize growers.
Keywords: chicken feather biochar; maize performance; soil chemical properties
Citation: Ebido, N. E., Ndubuaku, U. M. & Umeugokwe, Ch., P. (2026). Assessment of chicken feather-based biochar on selected soil properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 32(1), 61–67
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| Date published: 2026-02-25
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