ASSESSMENT OF CHARGED BIOCHAR AND SELECTED ORGANIC FERTILISERS EFFECTS ON SOIL PROPERTIES, NUTRITIONAL QUALITY, AND PROFITABILITY OF LETTUCE

O. Saidy, D. K. Isutsa and B. K. Karanja

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 2025, vol. 11, issue 4

Abstract: Excessive use of synthetic fertilisers poses soil degradation challenges that partly constrain sustainable vegetable production in many tropical regions. This research aimed at assessing the agronomic and economic potential of organic fertilisers in enhancing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) soil properties, nutritional quality, and profitability. Specifically, it determined effects of selected organic fertilisers on soil properties, vitamin C, mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), and net economic benefit (NEB) of lettuce. It was done in a randomized complete block design with six treatments (negative control-soil, positive control-NPK+Urea, charged biochar, compost, poultry and farmyard manures) replicated three times in two seasons from October 2024 to May 2025 onfarm at Egerton University, Kenya. Iceberg lettuce variety used was grown in a nursery bed for five weeks followed by transplanting to permanent experimental plots, measuring 2m x 1.5m and accommodating 30 lettuce plants at 30cm x 30cm spacing. Data was collected pre- and postproduction on soil and organic fertilisers, as well as in the 9th week on lettuce fresh weight, nutritional quality components, and net economic benefit. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using JMP Pro 17th edition program. Numerically, application of organic fertilisers resulted in decreased N, P, pH, OC, OM, but increased K, Ca, Mg, CEC, and C:N in soil after lettuce growth. Nonetheless, all treatments had a pH of 6.1 - 6.5, which was optimal for lettuce growth and development. In seasons 1 and 2, lettuce leaf tissue analysis showed significant (P= 0.001; P= 0.048) differences in vitamin C, ranging from 2.0 – 3.2 and 1.0 – 1.4 meg/100 mg. However, there were no significant (P> 0.05) differences in nutritional minerals N, P, K, Mg and Ca. The NEB varied significantly (P= 0.001; 0.011), with poultry manure giving the highest NEB of 543 – 833/=, while biochar (217/=) and compost (224/=) giving the lowest. This study revealed that organic fertilisers influence soil properties, lettuce quality and profitability differently. The organic fertilisers significantly enhanced vitamin C and NEB more than no fertilisers. Adoption of poultry manure would serve as a profitable alternative to synthetic fertilisers, while optimizing quality and soil properties. It recommends further research on long-term effects of biochar on soil properties, lettuce quality and profitability.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:ijaeri:371463

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.371463

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