Co-Application of Biochar Compost and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizer Affects the Growth and Nitrogen Uptake by Lowland Rice in Northern Ghana

Inherent low soil fertility status limits productivity of rice in the lowland ecologies in Northern Ghana. Combining organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers could help to maintain the fertility of lowland soils for rice production. A screen house pot experiment was carried out to investigate the combined effect of biochar compost and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on the nitrogen uptake and agronomic performance of rice plants grown on an eutric gleysol lowland soil. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer alone and its combinations with different types of biochar compost (based on the proportions of biochar and compost) were used as treatment. A control (unamended soil) was also included. The incorporation of biochar compost and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer improved the growth parameters and yield components of rice plants. The combination of biochar compost and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer was also found to improve nitrogen uptake in rice plants. This practice could be the most likely viable option for alleviating lowland soil fertility issues and increasing rice productivity in Northern Ghana.