Impact of various soil amendments on temporal NPK release, soil quality and maize yield in tropical Alfisols of Zaria, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: Sustainable crop production in tropical regions is challenged by poor soil fertility, necessitating effective soil amendment strategies. This study evaluated the temporal effects of five soil amendments-compost (CMP), biochar (BCH), co-composted biochar (C-BCH), a mixture of compost and biochar (CMP + BCH), and NPK fertilizer-on NPK release patterns, soil quality, and maize performance in the Alfisols of Zaria, Nigeria. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with six treatments (including control) and three replications, applied at 15 t ha^- 1 for organic treatments and recommended rate for NPK. Key soil quality indicators measured were organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, bulk density (ρb), and mean weight diameter (MWD). Nutrient release

SUBMITTER: Awwal YA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12647166 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature