Effect of Biochar Amendments on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in an Alfisol of Southwest Nigeria

African Journal of Agriculture | Vol. 13, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 090–097

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJA/000745

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Effect of Biochar Amendments on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in an Alfisol of Southwest Nigeria

Names of Authors: Olufemi B. Adeyemi¹, Kazeem A. Shittu¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract: Sandy loam Alfisols in southwestern Nigeria suffer from low water retention and rapid nutrient leaching, which undermines rainfed maize production. Biochar application offers a steady pathway to alter soil physical architecture and improve moisture storage. This 2-year field experiment investigated the impact of cocoa pod husk biochar (CPHB) applied at four distinct rates (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 t/ha) on soil bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), moisture retention, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Soil samples were collected from the 0–15 cm layer post-harvest to determine structural changes. The results indicated that adding 10.0 t/ha of CPHB significantly reduced soil bulk density from 1.48 to 1.26 g/cm³ and lowered Ksat by 42.1% compared to the control, signaling an improvement in micro-pore distribution. Soil water content at field capacity increased significantly from 14.2% to 22.8% w/w in the 10.0 t/ha treated plots. This enhanced moisture buffer protected the crop during mid-season dry spells, leading to a significant increase in mean grain yield (4.12 ± 0.18 t/ha under 10.0 t/ha CPHB vs. 2.34 t/ha in the control; p < 0.01). Maize yield didn't show significant variance between 5.0 and 10.0 t/ha applications, suggesting 5.0 t/ha as an economically optimal rate. Soil organic carbon also expanded by 58.0%, proving that CPHB amendments enhance the climate resilience of tropical Alfisols.

Keywords: Biochar, Bulk density, Soil moisture retention, Alfisol, Maize yield, Crop resilience

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 15, 2026; Revised: June 22, 2026; Accepted: July 18, 2026; Published: August 30, 2026

Citation: Adeyemi, O. B., & Shittu, K. A. (2026). Effect of Biochar Amendments on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in an Alfisol of Southwest Nigeria. African Journal of Agriculture, 13(8), 090–097. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJA/000745

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