The Effect of Biochar and Crop Veil on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus Mill) in Jos, North central Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of charcoal (biochar) and crop veil on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus Mill) in Jos, North central Nigeria. Four Super Vegetable Garden growingbeds and four traditional vegetable beds each measuring 15 m2 (12.5 m by 1.2 m) and 1 m gap between beds were laid out. The soil on both SVG and traditional beds were mixed with the same quantity of inorganic and organic fertilizer for plant development. After preparing the subsoil, 30 kg of biochar was spread on the four SVG beds as evenly as possible. Tomato seedlings were raised in the nursery for the period of 4 weeks after which they were transplanted on the SVG and traditional beds at 30 cm spacing. Data were collected using systematic random sampling technique by creating small plots of 2.5 by 1.2 cm on the beds at 2.5 cm intervals between plots. The stem growth was recorded twice at 4 and 6 weeks after transplanting using a 100 cm rule. Fruits were counted on each plant within plots and recorded. Results obtained from this research showed that stem growth was very significantly higher in tomatoes grown on SVG beds treated with charcoal and covered with veil than traditional beds without charcoal and veil covering. Fruit yield in tomato plant was also significantly higher on beds with charcoal than beds without charcoal. This finding is important in improving food security through increase in soil fertility and crop yield in Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa at large.