1. Effects of Biochar and Bradyrhizobium Inoculation on Nodulation, Growth, and Grain Yield of Soybean in the Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Ghana.
- Author
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Abdul-Aziz, Abdul-Latif, Korbla Akley, Edwin, and Asirifi, Amoako Ophelia
- Subjects
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CROP yields , *PLANT yields , *PLANT inoculation , *SOIL inoculation , *SOIL acidity - Abstract
\nHIGHLIGHTSSoybeans are a vital crop globally, significantly contributing to food security, soil fertility, and economic development. However, soil conditions can constrain their productivity, including nutrient deficiencies and acidity. This study explores the combined effects of biochar (BC) and Rhizobium inoculation (RI) on soybean growth, nodulation, and yield. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons and employed a split-plot design with five BC application rates (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 t ha− 1) and two RI levels (uninoculated and inoculated) across four replications. The results demonstrated that the integration of BC and RI significantly improved various growth parameters, including nodulation, biomass accumulation, pod number, and grain yield. The highest grain yield was observed at 8 t ha−1 BC with RI, yielding 3394 kg ha−1 in 2021 and 2542 kg ha−1 in 2022. This was identical to the yield attained with the 6 t ha−1 BC rate paired with RI in both years. The inoculated control treatment consistently demonstrated the lowest grain yield. Additionally, it showed a significant (
p < .05) impact on the weight of one hundred seeds. The study also revealed significant and consistent relationships among soybeans’ growth and yield features. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the combined application of BC and RI has a positive impact on soybean yield and its key components. Bradyrhizobium inoculation of soybeans resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.Rice husk BC application at different rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 t/ha) resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.The combined application of BC and RI resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.Plant growth parameters, including root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and nodulation showed significant improvement with RI and BC application.Significant improvement with RI and BC application was also observed in the yield components including pod yield, grain yield, 100-seed weight, and harvest index.Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between grain yield and shoot dry weight, root dry weight, nodule number, and nodule dry weight, indicating that higher grain was associated with better plant growth.Bradyrhizobium inoculation of soybeans resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.Rice husk BC application at different rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 t/ha) resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.The combined application of BC and RI resulted in significant changes in plant growth and yield components compared to the control treatment.Plant growth parameters, including root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and nodulation showed significant improvement with RI and BC application.Significant improvement with RI and BC application was also observed in the yield components including pod yield, grain yield, 100-seed weight, and harvest index.Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between grain yield and shoot dry weight, root dry weight, nodule number, and nodule dry weight, indicating that higher grain was associated with better plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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