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Agriculture

Biochar from Water Hyacinth Shows Promise for Improving Soil Fertility in Ethiopia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Biochar produced from the aquatic weed water hyacinth has been found to enhance soil fertility and crop production in Ethiopia, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at Bahir Dar University, explored the effects of combining water hyacinth biochar with inorganic fertilizers on soil properties, maize yield, and nitrogen use efficiency. The study's findings indicate that biochar significantly improved soil physicochemical properties, including nitrogen use efficiency, particularly when used in conjunction with half the recommended fertilizer level. These results demonstrate the potential of using biochar as a sustainable solution to improve soil fertility and enhance crop production in acidic soils.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the effects of co-applying water hyacinth biochar (WHB) with inorganic fertilizers on soil characteristics, maize yield, and nitrogen use efficiency under field conditions in Ethiopia.
  • Four rates of WHB (0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1) were combined with two levels of recommended inorganic fertilizers (half and full rates of 180/138 kg N/P2O5 ha-1), plus a control (no biochar/fertilizer), during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons.
  • Results indicated that WHB significantly improved soil physicochemical properties, including nitrogen use efficiency, particularly when used in conjunction with half the fertilizer level.
  • The study concluded that combining WHB with inorganic fertilizers can improve soil fertility and enhance crop production in acidic soils.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Bahir Dar University, including Yihenew G. Selassie, Ashenafei Gezahegn, Getachew Agegnehu, Solomon Addisu, Fekremariam Asargew Mihretie, and others.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia and potentially in other regions with acidic soils.

Statistics:

  • The study used four rates of water hyacinth biochar (WHB) (0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1).
  • WHB was combined with two levels of recommended inorganic fertilizers (half and full rates of 180/138 kg N/P2O5 ha-1).
  • The study was conducted over a two-year period (2022 and 2023).
  • Nitrogen use efficiency improved significantly, especially when WHB was used with half the fertilizer level.
  • The study demonstrated the potential of combining WHB with inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and enhance crop production in acidic soils.

Sources:

  • Synergistic effects of aquatic weed biochar and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, maize yield, and nitrogen use efficiency on Nitisols of Northwestern Ethiopian Highlands. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2025, 21():101939.
  • Yihenew G. Selassie, Ashenafei Gezahegn, Getachew Agegnehu, Solomon Addisu, Fekremariam Asargew Mihretie, Yudai Kohira, Mekuanint Lewoyehu, Shinjiro Sato. Department of Natural Resources Management, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, P.O.Box 79, Ethiopia.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Bahir Dar University Have Provided New Data on Agriculture and Food Research (Synergistic effects of aquatic weed biochar and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, maize yield, and nitrogen use efficiency on Nitisols of ...). Food Weekly News. June 12, 2025; p 443.

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