Effect of different rates of biochar on the propagation and growth of pines

Biochar is an important tool to increase food security and cropland diversity in areas with severely depleted soils, scarce organic resources, and inadequate water and chemical fertilizer supplies. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different rates of plant-based biochar on the growth and yield of pine. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Treatments were plant-based biochar (a blend of Bamboo and Gliricidia sepium feedstock biochar) applied at 0, 2500, 5000 and 10000 kg ha^‑1. The growth parameters collected were plant height and stem diameter while yield parameters collected were dry shoot weight and dry root weight. Results showed that biochar application significantly improved the growth and yield of pine, while the lowest growth and yield values were obtained with the control. Biochar rate of 10000 kg ha^‑1 had the highest dry shoot weight (0.76 g) while the highest dry root weight (0.23 g) was obtained with 2500 and 10000 kg ha^‑1 biochar application. Application and use of biochar is therefore, recommended for optimum growth and yield of crops.