Use of biochar for enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change and growth of maize in Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria

Application of biochar to the soil improves its physical, chemical and biological characteristics, promoting plant growth and productivity. The potential of biochar for carbon sequestration and its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions make it a very interesting alternative to counteract the adverse effect of climate change. The study examined the use of Biochar to enhance carbon sequestration and growth of maize in theSudan savanna zone of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the dry season of 2021/2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Nigeria. Treatments involved seven levels of biochar (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1) which laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were collected on growth parameters, yield and yield components and post-harvest soil parameters were also determined for each treatment. Results indicated that biochar improves soil properties such as soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and water-holding capacity of the soil. Carbon was sequestrated with biochar application and significantly higher under 40 t ha-1 treatment. It is recommended that biochar could be used for improved soil properties and carbon storage to mitigate the greenhouse effect.