Jatropha Curcas L. Biomass Yield and Leaf Nutrient Content Response to Incorporated Poultry Litter and Its Biochar in Sandy-Loam Soil

ABSTRACT

Jatropha curcas L. plant (Jatropha) has been claimed to grow successfully under low nutrient conditions. This study compared the effects of incorporated poultry litter and its biochar on Jatropha growth in soil. In a greenhouse study, Jatropha plants were grown in sandy-loam soil amended with different rates (0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 g/kg) of poultry litter and its biochar. The biomass yield of Jatropha (root:shoot ratio and dry matter), leaf nutrient content, and soil-plant transfer factors were all evaluated. Incorporating poultry litter and its biochar into soil increased biomass yield and Jatropha leaf nutrient content. The BC600 (Biochar pyrolyzed at 600°C) and PLBC600 (Poultry litter and Biochar pyrolyzed at 600°C) treated plants had a higher root:shoot ratio, whereas the PL treated plants had the highest dry matter content. There was a significant negative moderate to lower negative correlation between dry matter and leaf nutrient content. However, a positive correlation was displayed between leaf nutrient contents. In general, at application rates ranging from 30 to 120 g/kg, BC350 (Biochar pyrolyzed at 350°C) and PLBC350 (Poultry litter and Biochar pyrolyzed at 350°C) improved studied parameters. Finally, adding poultry litter and its biochar to low-nutrient soils is highly recommended for improved Jatropha growth.

KEYWORDS:

• Biochar
• biomass yield
• Jatropha curcas L.
• leaf nutrient content
• poultry litter

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Botswana Japan Jatropha Research Project for their financial assistance, as well as the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for allowing us to experiment in their greenhouse. We also want to thank the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Research for their assistance with biochar production.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).