Paper Title
EFFECT OF COW DUNG BIOCHAR AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON NUTRIENT LEACHING FROM THE SOIL

Abstract
Abstract - Nutrient leaching is often a problem especially in tropical areas mainly due to high rainfall leading to soil fertility constrains. The study aims to reveal the potential of cow dung biochar to reduce nutrient leaching. The trial was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated three times. The experiment consisted of four treatments which are control, NPK 15.15.15, biochar and NPK + biochar. Data collected includes pH, soil texture, nitrogen, phosphorus and exchangeable cations. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 2017 version while means where separated using Tukey HSD at a 5% level of probability. Graphs and charts were generated using Microsoft excel 2016. Result for the study for the post experimental analysis of the soil and leachate analysis shows that nitrogen and potassium leaching was reduced with treatment containing biochar. Calcium and magnesium leaching was lowest in control and biochar treated soil. It was concluded that to reduce the loss of nutrients through leaching which can also reduce pollution to the environment, biochar can be added to the Soil. This can particularly improve soil fertility, productivity as well as sequester carbon. This knowledge is relevant in developing policies for environmental improvement and soil sustainability and conservation. Keywords - Nitrogen, Leachates, Exchangeable Cations, Phosphorus