The effects of physico-chemical characteristics of sandy soils amended with biochar, <i>Ricinus</i> and NPK (17-17-17) on the Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>) in Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Abstract

Objectives: In order to improve the physico-chemical characteristics of sandy soils in Kinshasa, the biochar, leaves of Ricinus communis, NPK fertilizer and their combinations were used. Okra was grown as the test plant during two growing seasons.

Methodology and Results: The experimentation was carried in polyethylene bags with seven treatments and 4 replications. Each sand bag filled with sandy soil was amended with 300gms 900gms and 15gms respectively for biochar, Ricinus leaves and NPK which were only applied during the first cropping season. The soil was analysed before the trial and after each harvest. Biochar combined with mineral fertilizer and leaves of Ricinus leaves improved both Okra yield and the physico-chemical characteristics the soil. The highest yield in the first growing season was 6 times more than that of the control. In the second season, only the biochar associated with mineral fertilizer had given a satisfying yield.

Conclusion and application of results. For an integrated management of fertility of the sandy soil of Kinshasa, use of mineral fertilizers should be accompanied of rational application of organic matter. Biochar appears to be very useful to solve problems of water retention and nutrients brought to this type of soil. The price of fertilizer and biochar are not any time affordable by the smallholders; therefore the use of ricinus leaves, which are very accessible and easy to collect free of charge, appears to be economically profitable. By the way, yields obtained compared with these from fertilizer and biochar are the same.