Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Manijawire Alinafe"

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    Biofortification of Finger Millet Grown in Biochar Amended Soils Using Zinc AND Iron
    (Gulu University, 2023) Manijawire Alinafe
    Recurrent dearth of micronutrients from soils and crops aggravated by the impacts of climate change has augmented an increase of hidden hunger with over 2 billion people affected across the globe. This problem is more rampant in developing countries with devastating economic setbacks, which deprive them from diet diversification. This calls for more interventions in enriching the cereal crops which are naturally low in micronutrients despite being the source of staple food for millions of people in African countries. One of the key approaches towards the drive to reducing malnutrition is biofortification. A two-season pot experiment was carried out at Gulu University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment experimental site. The aim of the experiment was to explore the effects of soil and foliar application of mineral based fertilizers (iron and zinc) in biochar amended soils on yield and grain quality of finger milletgrown in allisols and ferralsols. The experiment had eight treatments with four replicates which were arranged in RCBD in both soil types. The results from the experiment revealed that biofortification in biochar amended soils improved yield and quality of finger millet in both soil types. Maximum yield of 50 – 53 g/pot were recorded in both soils with biochar treatments, sprayed with both iron and zinc compared to the yield of 23.8 g/pot -25.5 g/pot in control. Similarly, an increase in protein content from 4.67 % to 11 % was also mirrored in treatments receiving foliar application of both iron and zinc in biochar amended soils. Zinc and iron content were higher in grains (41.5 - 44.6 mg/100g and 11.3 - 13.3 mg/100g, respectively) from treatments which had biochar and were foliarly applied with iron and zinc. Soil organic carbon and moisture content significantly (P < 0.05) influenced Zn and Fe uptake from soil. Overall, both soil and foliar application methods of mineral fertilizers in biochar amended soils are ideal in enhancing nutrient availability for crop growth and yield coupled with improved grain quality.