Short term effects of biochar on soil chemical properties, growth, yield, quality, and shelf life of tomato

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Abstract
The use of cow bone biochar for improving soil chemical properties and tomato quality and shelf life remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar on soil chemical properties, growth, yield, quality and shelf life of tomato. The experiment, conducted over a period of 120 days, comprised five levels (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha⁻¹) of cow bone biochar arranged in a completely randomised design replicated three times. Results indicated that cow bone biochar increased soil chemical properties, growth, yield, quality, shelf life and the percentage weight loss of tomato fruits relative to the control. The 40 t ha−1 biochar level increased yield of tomato by 22%, 97%, 162 and 294%, respectively relative to 30 t ha−1, 20 t ha−1, 10 t ha−1 and the control. Also, relative to 30, 20, 10 t ha−1 biochar and control, application of biochar at 40 t ha−1 increased shelf life of tomato by 12%, 23%, 28% and 70% respectively. These findings showed that biochar increases soil productivity, leading to improved tomato yield, quality, and shelf life. Further research is needed to determine if higher biochar rates can yield even greater benefits or if improvements level off beyond 40 t ha⁻¹.

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