TY - JOUR
T1 - Empty oil palm fruit bunch biochar and compost influence soil properties that drive okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) nutrient use efficiency and yield
AU - Blankson, Dorcas
AU - Arthur, Emmanuel
AU - Atiah, Kofi
AU - Frimpong, Kwame Agyei
AU - Manfo, Patrick
AU - Ravnskov, Sabine
PY - 2025/11/1
Y1 - 2025/11/1
N2 - The efficacy of empty oil palm fruit bunch (EFB) on crop productivity was evaluated by examining the effect of a one-time application of EFB biochar and compost on soil properties, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, and yields across two cropping cycles. Treatments involved EFB biochar at 10 and 20 t ha−1 (B10 and B20), EFB compost at 20 t ha−1 (CP20), combinations of biochar and compost (B10CP20 and B20CP20), an unamended control (B0), and an inorganic fertilizer treatment (NPK). Soil chemical properties, okra yield, and microbial biomass were assessed using the whole-cell fatty acid (WCFA) profiling method. The results showed that both single and combined applications of EFB biochar and compost significantly improved okra pod yields, with increases up to 283% in the first cropping cycle. CP20 and B20CP20 treatments increased yield by 58% and 100%, respectively, compared to the mineral fertilizer treatment. These treatments also enhanced phosphorus uptake and recovery efficiency, primarily due to increased soil pH and improved nutrient availability. B20CP20 was especially effective in boosting cation exchange capacity (CEC) and micronutrient content. The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the CP20 treatment was associated with improved phosphorus uptake and recovery in the second cycle. However, an overall decline in soil CEC and total organic carbon by an average of 16% and 25%, respectively, resulted in a threefold yield reduction in the second cycle. Importantly, only the B20CP20 treatment sustained yield increases into the second cycle. The study demonstrates that a one-time co-application of EFB biochar and compost can enhance soil fertility and soil microbial properties and increase nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies, resulting in increased okra yields.
AB - The efficacy of empty oil palm fruit bunch (EFB) on crop productivity was evaluated by examining the effect of a one-time application of EFB biochar and compost on soil properties, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, and yields across two cropping cycles. Treatments involved EFB biochar at 10 and 20 t ha−1 (B10 and B20), EFB compost at 20 t ha−1 (CP20), combinations of biochar and compost (B10CP20 and B20CP20), an unamended control (B0), and an inorganic fertilizer treatment (NPK). Soil chemical properties, okra yield, and microbial biomass were assessed using the whole-cell fatty acid (WCFA) profiling method. The results showed that both single and combined applications of EFB biochar and compost significantly improved okra pod yields, with increases up to 283% in the first cropping cycle. CP20 and B20CP20 treatments increased yield by 58% and 100%, respectively, compared to the mineral fertilizer treatment. These treatments also enhanced phosphorus uptake and recovery efficiency, primarily due to increased soil pH and improved nutrient availability. B20CP20 was especially effective in boosting cation exchange capacity (CEC) and micronutrient content. The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the CP20 treatment was associated with improved phosphorus uptake and recovery in the second cycle. However, an overall decline in soil CEC and total organic carbon by an average of 16% and 25%, respectively, resulted in a threefold yield reduction in the second cycle. Importantly, only the B20CP20 treatment sustained yield increases into the second cycle. The study demonstrates that a one-time co-application of EFB biochar and compost can enhance soil fertility and soil microbial properties and increase nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies, resulting in increased okra yields.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024213309
U2 - 10.1002/saj2.70172
DO - 10.1002/saj2.70172
M3 - Journal article
SN - 0361-5995
VL - 89
JO - Soil Science Society of America Journal
JF - Soil Science Society of America Journal
IS - 6
M1 - e70172
ER -