Combining Biochar and Wood Vinegar Enhances Soil Health, Suppresses Fall Army Worm Damage, and Improves Sorghum Yields
Abstract
A study to evaluate the effects of biochar and wood vinegar on soil properties, fall armyworm severity, and sorghum yield was carried out in a semi‐arid area of Koibatek, Baringo County, Kenya. Experiments were conducted over three seasons (2022–2024) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. The combined biochar and wood vinegar treatment (T4) consistently recorded the lowest soil bulk density (1.12 g cm −3 ), highest soil water content (25.2%), organic carbon (3.1%), available phosphorus (26.6 mg kg −1 ), moderate pH (6.53), and total nitrogen (0.29%) across seasons. Microbial counts were also highest in T4 (3.01–3.55 log CFU g −1 ), while FAW severity was lowest (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems
Composting and Vermicomposting Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Advances in Agriculture
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN