Growth, yield and fibre quality of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties as influenced by biochar

Abstract

Growth, yield and fibre quality of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties as influenced by biochar was conducted to determine optimum rate of biochar for better quality of kenaf fibres. The experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season at two locations; Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Federal University Dutse and Bauchi State University, Gadau. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar was applied at 5 and 10 tons/ha and incorporated into ridges at sowing. The results showed biochar applied at the rate of 10 tons/ha had higher plant height (147.5 cm and 137.5 cm), number of leaves (119.6 and 118.5), fibre yield per plant (923 g and 839 g), fibre yield per hectare (5.50 t/ha and 4.68 t/ha) and dry weight of leaves (158.4 g and 161.9 g) in Dutse and Gadau respectively. Kenaf white variety (yar fara) had better plant height (166.6 g and 137.6 g), number of leaves (116.9 g and 114.8 g), and attained 50 % flowering earlier than black variety (yar baka). Higher fresh weight of leaves (360 and 357 g), dry weight of leaves (155 and 157 g), fibre yield per plant (911 g and 825 g) and fibre yield per hectare (5.29 t/ha and 4.79 t/ha) were obtained from the black kenaf variety (yar baka) in Dutse and Gadau respectively. Biochar rates did not show any significant difference on moisture content and dry matter content. Application of 10 tons/ha biochar is recommended for production of maximum kenaf quality in the study area.

Keywords: Biochar, kenaf, optimum rate, variety, fibre