Biochar Mediated Changes on Maize and Cowpea Root Development

Mechanisms of biochar mediated increase in crop yield still seem not fully understood. Biochar effect on root morphology and architecture could lead to unraveling the possible effect of biochar on plant growth enhancement. Since root development is very fundamental in nutrient and water uptake and overall functioning of the plant and more so in engineering the associated microbial community that could enhance plant growth, evaluating effect of biochar on roots is very essential. This research evaluated the effects of three rates of biochar with or without cattle dung or NPK fertilizer under four cropping patterns on maize and cowpea root development in a field experiment in North-West University, Mafikeng campus, South Africa. Pine wood Biochar was applied at 0, 2.5 and 5 t/ha three weeks after planting by making some depressions within the interrow spacing and covering it with soil. Other amendments were also applied the same time. Roots were harvested monthly from the date of amendment application and during harvest by destructive sampling. Using shovelometric score board, the root parameters were determined. Biochar amended soil had significantly higher root mass over the control. The root angle of both the first roots and crown roots were between 40 ^oC to 89 ^oC. The root length and number of crown roots were also significantly higher in biochar amended soil than the control. All these properties were enhanced by application of either cattle dung or NPK fertilization.